Colonoscopic and histologic features of rectal masses in dogs

The prevalence of gastrointestinal neoplasia is relatively low in dogs, reportedly accounting for 3 to 10% of all tumors. Up to 60% of gastrointestinal tumors affect the large intestine; 50 to 60% of those are malignant tumors, with adenocarcinoma being the most common. Adenomatous polyps account for most benign rectal tumors, but leiomyoma and fibroma have also been reported. Carcinoma in situ exhibits histologic atypia, which can progress to invasive malignancy in 17 to 50% of dogs. The initial diagnosis of a mass or masses in the rectum is often made on the basis of results of digital rectal palpation performed either as part of a wellness examination or in response to signs such as hematochezia, dyschezia, or tenesmus.
Source: Advances in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - Category: Veterinary Research Tags: Gastroenterology Source Type: research