Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs: Symptoms and Treatment

Rectoanal polyps in dogs are flap-like growths that develop in the anal and rectal walls. They may attach directly to the intestinal wall or connect to it through a stalk-like structure.

Most rectoanal polyps are non-cancerous and occur as isolated growths, although some dogs can develop multiple polyps.

What Are Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs?

Rectoanal polyps in dogs are characterized by the growth of flap-like protrusions in the anal and rectal walls. The polyps may be directly attached to the intestinal wall (sessile) or attached through a stalk-like cylindrical connection.

Most rectoanal polyps are non-cancerous and are extensions of the innermost tissue lining of the intestinal walls. Most polyps are isolated, but some dogs can have multiple polyps.

What Are the Symptoms of Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs?

Symptoms of rectoanal polyps in dogs include straining or pain while passing stool. The stool may also be stained with blood and/or covered with mucus.

What Causes Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs?

The exact cause of rectoanal polyps in dogs is not clearly known. However, middle-aged and older dogs are more likely to develop the condition.

How Are Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs Diagnosed?

Rectoanal polyps in dogs are usually diagnosed through a manual rectal examination by a veterinarian or by direct visualization of the polyp through the external anal opening. 

After a polyp is identified, colonoscopy and pathological testing may also be performed.

Physical Examination and Testing

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough physical examination, taking into account your dog's history of symptoms and possible incidents that might have precipitated the condition.

Common tests include a complete blood count and urinalysis, which will usually return as normal. Imaging tools such as X-rays and ultrasounds are not applicable to this particular diagnosis.

Colonoscopy and Pathological Testing

After a polyp is identified, a colonoscopy may be performed to check for other polyps. A colonoscopy uses a tubular, flexible camera inserted through the anal opening.

A detailed pathological study of the tissue, as well as fluid from the polyp, may also be completed.

Conditions With Similar Symptoms

Conditions that may produce symptoms similar to those caused by rectoanal polyps include:

• Abscesses
• Tumors
• Inflammation
• Infection of the intestine
• Rectal prolapse

How Are Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs Treated?

Rectoanal polyps in dogs are usually treated with surgical removal. 

Surgical Removal

Polyps may be removed through the anal opening, after which the anal opening will be closed with stitches.

The same removal surgery may also be performed endoscopically or by using an electrical needle or probe.

Medications

Medications that may be prescribed include:

• Non-steroidal pain relievers
• Antibiotics, especially before surgery to prevent infection
• Stool softeners

Possible Complications

Possible complications include recurrence of the polyps and narrowing of the anal opening due to scarring and/or inflammation.

Recovery and Management of Rectoanal Polyps in Dogs

After surgical removal of rectoanal polyps in dogs, follow-up examinations are used to monitor healing and check for recurrence. 

Your veterinarian will typically examine the surgical site after 14 days to make sure the condition has been resolved and the tissue is healing properly. 

Another examination will be performed at three months and again at six months after surgery. Follow-up examinations will then continue twice a year to check for recurrence.

Dogs with single polyps usually do not relapse. Dogs with multiple or diffuse lesions are at a much higher risk for recurrence.