Perianal Adenoma Tumors in Dogs

Identification

• Perianal adenoma tumors in dogs most commonly occur in older dogs (over 10.5 years). This tumor may affect males and females equally, although intact (not neutered) male dogs may be less likely to suffer from this type of tumor. Some breeds of dogs have a genetic predisposition to perianal adenoma tumors. These include the German shepherd, Cocker spaniel, dachshund, Springer spaniel and the Alaskan malamute.

Symptoms

• The symptoms associated with perianal adenoma tumors may include constipation, tenesmus (feeling a need to defecate), excessive licking of the perianal area (around the anus) and scooting across the floor on the perianal area. You may notice the swelling in the perianal area, as well as the dog's discomfort in this area.

Diagnosis

• A veterinarian may diagnose a perianal adenoma tumor with a rectal examination. The veterinarian may palpate (feel) the tumor, as well as enlarged lymph nodes in the area. An abdominal ultrasound may also reveal tumors that may be too small to palpate.

Complications

• A complication often accompanies perianal adenoma tumors in dogs is hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is the presence of too much calcium in the body and is caused by the secretion by the tumor of parathyroid-hormone related protein. According to DVM 360, hypercalcemia occurs in approximately 26 to 53 percent of perianal adenoma tumors in dogs.

Treatment

• Perianal adenoma tumors may require a multi-dimensional treatment plan, because they are highly aggressive and tend to spread rapidly. This treatment plan usually includes surgery to remove the tumor if possible, followed by chemotherapy and radiation.