Disease overview

Familial Adenomatous Polyposis causes polyp growths in the intestinal tract, primarily in the stomach, colon, and rectum. These growths can be benign (adenomas) or malignant (adenocarcinomas).

Gene name

APC

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant

Signs and symptoms

Clinical signs may include pain or straining when defecating, blood in the stool, vomiting, black or tarry stools, anorexia, and/or abnormal rectal exam findings.

How is it diagnosed

A veterinarian will conduct a thorough exam, including a review of health history and any clinical signs. Rectal exams and/or colonoscopies are conducted to identify polyp growths in the colon and rectum. Imaging of the stomach may be required if the growths are higher in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

Breeds at higher risk

Citations

Yoshizaki K, Hirata A, Nishii N, Kawabe M, Goto M, Mori T, Sakai H. Familial adenomatous polyposis in dogs: hereditary gastrointestinal polyposis in Jack Russell Terriers with germline APC mutations. Carcinogenesis. 2021 Feb 11;42(1):70-79. doi: 10.1093/carcin/bgaa045. PMID: 32445578.

Disclaimer

Disease diagnosis and treatment should always be performed by a veterinarian. The following information is for educational purposes only.