Canine gastric polyps are predominantly hyperplastic, and endoscopic polypectomy is a safe and effective treatment associated with no recurrence during follow-up.

OBJECTIVE

To characterize the clinical presentation, endoscopic features, and histopathological findings of gastric polyps in dogs and to evaluate the safety and outcomes of endoscopic polypectomy.

METHODS

Dogs diagnosed with gastric polypoid lesions during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from January 2020 through December 2024 at the University Veterinary Hospital, University of Bologna (Italy), were retrospectively evaluated. Inclusion criteria were endoscopic identification of gastric polyps; dogs with primary gastric neoplasia were excluded. Signalment, clinical signs, history of proton pump inhibitor administration, endoscopic findings, histopathology, treatment, complications, and follow-up data were collected. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed using cold biopsy forceps or electrosurgical snare.

RESULTS

Over a 5-year period, 57 dogs were included from 574 canine gastroscopies performed, yielding a detection rate of 9.9% (57 of 574). Polyps were solitary in 54.4% and multiple in 45.6% of cases, mainly located in the gastric antrum (77.2%). All polyps were hyperplastic on histopathology. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed in 17 of 57 dogs, with no intraoperative complications. Mild postoperative complications occurred in 5 of 17 dogs. Clinical signs resolved in all but 1 case and remained absent during follow-up (median, 16 months). Polyps removed with electrosurgical snare were significantly larger than those removed with cold biopsy forceps, with an exploratory cutoff of 10 mm distinguishing between the 2 techniques. No recurrences were documented based on clinical follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Gastric polyps in dogs are uncommon lesions, typically hyperplastic and associated with chronic inflammation. Endoscopic polypectomy appears to be a safe and effective treatment and recurrence-free at follow-up.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endoscopic polypectomy represents a minimally invasive option for the management of gastric polyps in dogs, allowing clinical resolution with low morbidity in selected cases.