Rectal Polyps in Dogs and Cats

Rectal adenomatous polyps are an infrequent, usually benign disease, primarily of dogs and cats. The larger the polyp, the greater the potential for malignancy. Signs include tenesmus, hematochezia, and diarrhea. The polyp is usually palpable per rectum and bleeds easily with surface ulceration. Periodically, the polyp may prolapse through the anal orifice. Surgical excision is usually followed by rapid clinical recovery and lengthy survival time. Endoscopic resection may also be performed. New polyps may develop after surgery. A biopsy should always be submitted for histopathologic diagnosis.