Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/6/2008

Question
My dog Max 12 yrs old has just been diagnosed with this and the wound is opened & bleeding, the vet sealed it with something topical but stated he may need surgery. I have googled this condition and see that it is common in un-neutered dogs but he was neutered as a puppy.  He is a lab/shepard mix and I do not see this as common for his breed. I read there are some side effects to the surgery. What would you recommend?  Thanks, Lori

Answer
Lori -

If Max is a healthy twelve year old dog, then I recommend that you have the adenoma surgically removed. Your dog must be very uncomfortable with that tumor on his back end and surgical excision is the most effective way to have the growth removed.  There are potentially serious complications to consider - fecal incontinence, for example, is one serious complication that may occur.    You may want to think about having the procedure done by a board certified veterinary surgeon.  That is the best way to minimize complications because the board certified surgeon should have  a lot of experience with this type of surgery.  

Best of Luck -

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM