What are Rectal Polyps?
Polyps are growths that have a stem and a round top; they have a mushroom like appearance. Rectal polyps are usually benign but over time can become malignant (cancerous). Polyps that become malignant are often adenocarcinomas. Rectal polyps in dogs can be small or large in size. If your dog is showing signs of rectal polyps, he should be seen by a veterinarian.
Rectal polyps are abnormal tissue growth on the mucous membrane of the rectum. Rectal polyps can be found in the last section of the digestive tract and may protrude from the anus.
Symptoms of Rectal Polyps in Dogs
Symptoms may include:
- Hematochezia – The presence of bright red blood in the feces.
- Straining when defecating
- Itchy anus
- Scooting on the floor
- Feces may have mucus or blood in it
- Dog whimpers/cries while defecating
Causes of Rectal Polyps in Dogs
There is no a set cause for rectal polyps in dogs. The condition does occur more often in middle age and senior dogs. Some researchers believe that there may be a genetic predisposition to rectal polyps in some dogs.
Diagnosis of Rectal Polyps in Dogs
The veterinarian will want to go over the medical history of the dog. If your pet has been seen by another veterinarian, it is recommended that you bring his medical files. The veterinarian will want to make sure that the patient is up to date with his vaccinations. The doctor will want to know what symptoms you have observed and when did they begin.
The patient will then have a physical exam. If the dog is overly stressed and/or scared, the veterinarian may suggest using a muzzle. The dog’s weight, temperature, pulse and blood pressure will be taken. The veterinarian will then perform a manual rectal exam. Sometimes the polyps are visible through the external anal opening. The doctor may also recommend taking a fecal exam to rule out parasites (roundworm, hookworms).
If rectal polyps are identified the veterinarian may suggest scheduling an appointment for your pet to have a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a diagnostic test, which inserts a flexible tube with a camera into the patient’s rectum. This procedure aids to visualize the inner lining of the rectum and colon. During this procedure the technician will also be able to take biopsy samples of the polyps. The biopsies are then sent to a diagnostic pathology laboratory. The results of the biopsy will determine if the polyps are benign or malignant.
The day before the colonoscopy procedure the pet will not be allowed to eat and will need to have an enema. General anesthesia will be administered before the colonoscopy is performed.
Treatment of Rectal Polyps in Dogs
The treatment for rectal polyps is usually surgery to remove the polyps. The veterinarian may recommend having the patient take antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infection. The patient will have bloodwork and a urinalysis before the surgical procedure is scheduled. The diagnostic tests will help ensure that he is strong and in good health to undergo surgery.
The day before the surgery the patient will need to be fasting. You may have to drop your pet hours before the surgery is scheduled. This is because the veterinarian team must have time to prepare your pet for surgery. Patients are given a physical exam prior to surgery, anesthesia doses must be calculated and an intravenous IV must be started to administer fluids and medications.
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Recovery of Rectal Polyps in Dogs
The veterinary surgeon will provide you with post-operative instructions. The patient will be prescribed anti-inflammatories and pain relief medications. It will be necessary that your pet wears a cone; so that he does not lick at the incision. The patient may have limited exercise and must have supervision at all times. It is important that he gets his rest and is not jumping or running.
The veterinarian may recommend applying cold compresses on the incision area. This may help with pain and inflammation. Please be aware that your dog may not have a regular bowel movement for a few days after surgery. The reasons may be because he was fasting prior to the surgery and as anaesthesia and pain medications can cause constipation. If your dog does not defecate by 4 days after the surgery, please call the veterinarian. He might recommend a stool softener for the patient.
Follow-up visits will be necessary to ensure that the incision is healing properly. Usually patients are seen 14 days after surgery and then again 3 months after that. Patients that undergo a rectal polyp surgery have a good recovery prognosis. Single polyps usually will not reoccur. Canines that had multiple polyps removed may experience the reoccurrence of the polyps.
Rectal Polyps Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
German Shepherd mix
Seven Years
27 found this helpful
27 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
My dog has been having problems defecting I took two vets already and they said that is his food but already change his food and he keeps having problems know the problems is getting worse around his anal en inside I don’t know what’s wrong
Feb. 9, 2021
Answered by Dr. Maureen M. DVM
27 Recommendations
Hi,
Sorry about that.
That sounds like constipation. Constipation can occur when there little fibre in the diet.
We normally advocate one adds a teaspoon of liquid paraffin in the food to lubricate the bowels which eases passage of stool.
Dry food (kibble) is a common culprit in causing constipation. Always offer your dog ample supply of water throughout the day. Also, consider adding fiber to his diet by supplementing with cooked veggies such as broccoli, kale, spinach among others.
In case the condition persisits please take him for some X-rays to check if there is any obstruction in the gut that may be slowing down his bowel movements.
Good luck
Feb. 9, 2021
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Dachshund
Maximus
9 Years
16 found this helpful
16 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Mucus
Blood In Stool
Frequent Pooping
Scouting Butt On Floor Often
Hi My 9 year old doxie has been having bloody stool for the pass two years. Vet believes it is IBD so we have tried everything. We have done all the meds they recommended, all the testing and an ultrasound. Nothing has helped! Recently I had noticed that when he is pooping there is a mass pushing out. I believe it is a rectal polyp, I showed the video I had taken to the vet and they did a rectal exam but do not believe it is a polyp. Should I get a second opinion? Please Help!!!
Sept. 15, 2018
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American Bulldog
Mia
8 Months
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Bleeding From Rectum
My puppy had a chewing episode last week consisting of sticks and two biro pens all cracked and then spat out everywhere. Then the start of this week Monday or Tuesday she has started bleeding from her bum. It is only a small amount of blood she is not dragging her self on the floor just licking the area no swelling present looks bit red she only seems to bleed after pooping and after hours in bed at night. She is apart from this fit and well still eating all foods and playing and walking as normal
June 15, 2018
7 Recommendations
It is possible that Mia is having some issue passing some foreign material or that it is causing some irritation passing through; without examining her and possibly taking an x-ray we cannot determine whether or not there is a partial obstruction or other issue which may be leading to her passing blood. You should keep a close eye on her for the time being and visit your Veterinarian if you have any concerns, the issue doesn’t resolve or gets worse. It is also possible that the cause may be due to a different cause including infections, parasites, diet among other causes. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
June 16, 2018
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Mix
Rudy
5 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
My dog had surgery for a rectal polyp on March 30. I adopted him from the shelter. How long does he need to be on any kind of special diet? I feed my other dogs rice and chicken and a special good dry food for sensitive stomachs and allergic dogs, and I’m wondering if I can transition to that now – six weeks later.
May 10, 2018
7 Recommendations
If there are no issues with defecation or any other issues, transitioning to another diet may be done but you need to ensure that there are no issues with defecation; any transition should be done gradually and if you notice any issues you should go back to the special diet. Any doubts you should consult your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
May 11, 2018
The vet’s comment was guarded but helpful, as it should be. I am a people physician and I understand that these questions cannot be answered definitively. This dog actually, I found out, had a rectal prolapse, and has an additional tumor found on F/U examination. Also had an intestinal infection, which caused diarrhea. Apparently the concern was not to have any change in the diet that would cause diarrhea to resume—and contribute to any straining—so as to repeat the rectal prolapse. Thank you for doing such a good job!
May 11, 2018
Rudy's Owner
Hello doc,my 10 year old shituzu has multiple polyps in his anus and intestines. His vet has given antibiotics. Is there any natural way to control this inflammation.
June 24, 2018
Lalitha M.
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Dachshund
Daphnie
16 Years
6 found this helpful
6 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Polyp
Hi, my pup Daphnie (dachshund/pug mix) was just seen by our vet and told she possibly has a polyp protruding out of her girly area. They suggested removing it but it comes at a steep price. Also, with her being 16 years old they are hesitant with surgery because of the anistethic and they don't really know if that will take care of it. So, with not being able to afford the suggested surgery and if it would really take care of it what would you suggest I do? I have had her wearing a diaper because honestly it is really gross. I keep the area clean and it has gone from pinkish/red to now turning black. It's like its just shriveling up and gonna fall off. She also smells like roadkill. I thought maybe it was the polyp but it really is just her. Do you have any suggestions on what to do. Financially I cannot do surgery.Thank you!
May 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
6 Recommendations
Without examining Daphnie, I cannot comment on the best treatment, but from your description, it sounds like surgical removal of the necrotic mass is the only option for her to get rid of it. Many clinics offer CareCredit to help with unexpected expenses, and that may be an option with your veterinarian. I hope that she does well.
May 5, 2018
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Yorkipoo
Maggie
10 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blood On Stool
Maggie is a yorkiepoo who is about to be 10 years old. One day she scooted on the carpet (she never scoots!) and left blood on it. I put a tissue to her rear and there was a quarter size spot of blood. I went outside to look at her poo and the end of it had bright red blood. For the next several poos she had blood at the end of it and on the tissue.
The vet said she felt a polyp on a stalk about an inch deep inside her. Put her on Metronizadole(antibiotic) Meloxicam (anti inflam) and miralax because she said the firm poo probably was irritating it so we want it to come out soft without being watery. It seemed to help, the polyp got smaller and she stopped having blood on her rear though there is always a red stripe on her poo. It's not mucous, just blood-- red about 1/4 inch wide. We went for a surgical consult and will have it removed. It could BE cancer, could become cancer or just grow and cause problems even if it's not cancer. Plus, the vet said that if blood can come out then bacteria can come in, so it's an infection risk.
They are going to evert her rectum (Pull it out through her anus). I'm just nervous because it isn't common and I'm afraid something could go wrong since they don't do it often. I feel a little better because the vet just got board certified fr surgery. She is young but did her residency in surgery at the University of Pennsylvania vet hospital (Ryan).
NJ is VERY expensive for vet operations. It will be $2000, but her bloodwork came back excellent and she is still very lively and healthy, could love to 15 years. She has no symptoms of this except the blood. She thinks she is fine!
