Canine & Hyperplastic Mucosal Polyps

A polyp is a non-neoplastic or hyperplastic benign growth (tumor) that extrudes over a mucosal surface and causing an abnormal tissue size increase. It is only through microscopic examinations that these anomalies can be distinguished from true harmless tumors. A number of factors are to be considered in the diagnosis and treatment of these abnormal growths or nodules in canines.

  1. Gastric Outflow Obstruction

    • This is a condition that results from a number of causes, one of which is hyperplastic mucosal polyps. It̵7;s characterized by the agglomeration in the gut, a process where ingested materials form a mass inside the stomach. Dogs are especially prone to this because they are not really discriminating of what they eat. If left untreated, this condition leads to regurgitation, subsequent dehydration due to vomiting, weight loss and weakness contingent on the seriousness of the obstruction.

    Physical Examination

    • To verify symptoms, an owner and veterinarian should record and observe the dog̵7;s eating habits and perform an oral and rectal examination. Pain evidence can be checked with careful abdominal palpation, or the process of slowly and gradually pressing the dog̵7;s belly to check for abnormal lumps. Barium capsules are used to diagnose gastric obstruction as they can be used for radiographic examinations.

    Internal Examination

    • Gastric endoscopy and endoscopic-guided biopsy are commonly performed on canines to differentiate hyperplastic mucosa polyps from other malignant conditions. Polyps are characterized by a branching core of smooth muscle protruding from the mucosa, the stomach̵7;s outer layer.

      Biopsies reveal either multiple or single polyp growths, either without (sessile) or with (pedunculated) attachments, and which do not often grow beyond diameters of 0.59 inch. Further laboratory experiments will show if the polyps are producing mucus and pus.

    Treatment

    • Dogs usually need to take antibiotics to control and eliminate the infection. If the medicine will not work, the dog needs to undergo an endoscopic polypectomy. This is an invasive procedure in which an endoscope and a device that can cut the polyps are inserted in the dog̵7;s rectum. Dogs need to rest for a few days after the procedure.