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What's the risk of my dog's rectal cancer spreading after removal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 56.2 lbs

My 3 year old dog had a rectal polyp (pedunculated) removed and it returned as adenocarcinoma in situ and had a low mitotic rate. She is going to see a surgeon this week potentially for removal of more tissue. She is not acting any differently and not losing any significant amount of weight. How likely is this to spread if all the cancerous tissue is removed?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 11th, 2017

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These tumors have not been particularly well-studied and the literature available on them is very limited. However, based on the limited literature and my experience with this disease, the metastatic rate is usually low to moderate with the most common metastatic site being the local lymph nodes (inside of the abdomen) with about 40-50% chance, the abdominal cavity (carcinomatosis) about 30% and the lungs about 20%. This is why it is crucial to have imaging (abdominal ultrasound and thoracic radiographs) prior to surgery to ensure that there is no evidence of spread before proceeding with surgery. In some instances, even if there is evidence of regional metastasis, it is still recommended to proceed with surgery. The benefit of using chemotherapy for this tumor is unknown and for this reason we do not typically recommend it. Feel free to request a consultation with me if you have more questions about Ava. I deal with this disease commonly. Good luck with your girl!

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Although that is a malignant tumor having a low mitotic rate and being pedunculated are good signs. This not likely to return if the tissue margins are clear. That is why you are going to see the surgeon. If the biopsy says tumor cells are seen at the tissue margin then they will remove more tissue to get a clear margin. When they get it all I consider her cured. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Ava.

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