Dermatological problems are very common in veterinary clinics and are always a cause of concern for guardians. Canine papilloma is a dermatological problem that causes the appearance of warts, usually benign, on the skin and mucous membranes of dogs. Although it is something that any guardian can easily identify at a glance or when you are petting your pet, we are not always aware of the seriousness of the matter.
If you have noticed one or more warts on your dog's body and you don't know what it could be, continue reading this article on our site to learn more about it papilloma in dogs, its causes, symptoms and treatment.
What is papilloma in dogs?
Canine papillomatosis is a viral infectious disease caused by a papilloma virus. This disease causes skin tumors, in most cases benign. It usually appears in dogs and is very rare in cats.
Can be transmitted by direct contact between infected dogs or by indirect contact through saliva or blood. The simple exchange of the same toy, feeder or drinker is enough for contagion. If you've ever wondered if papilloma in dogs can be spread to humans, the answer is no This disease is species-specific, meaning only dogs can contract the canine papilloma virus, without affecting humans, cats or other animal species.
The incubation period can vary from one to two months, and an animal can have the virus in its body and it only shows up after the incubation period. Although not predisposed to breed or gender, this virus preys on animals with weaker immune systems, such as puppies, elderly dogs, or animals immunosuppressed by other diseases.
Papilloma in dogs: characteristics
Papillomas are skin structures, also called warts, similar to cauliflower. In general, the main features of papillomas in dogs are:
- Consistency usually lasts.
- They are irregular in shape.
- The surface is rough.
- The color is variable (grey, pink or black).
- Warts are localized or multifocal.
- The size of papillomas is variable.
They usually appear on the buccal mucosa, pharynx, and skin (the face, lips, eyelids, interdigital space and digital cushions are the most common areas).
Canine papilloma: symptoms
Although the main symptom of papilloma in dogs is the appearance of warts, other symptoms also occur in the animal, depending on the area in which the papilloma has appeared.
Papilloma in dogs in the mouth: symptoms
If warts are in the mouth, they can cause, depending on their number and location:
- Halitosis (bad breath).
- Hypersialia (excessive salivation).
- Pain.
- Ulcers.
- Hemorrhages.
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
- Partial or complete obstruction of the pharynx.
Warts on the eyes of dogs: symptoms
If found near the eyes and on the eyelids, canine papilloma can cause the following problems:
- Affect visual acuity.
- Blepharospasm (constant blinking).
- Pain.
- Conjunctivitis.
For more information, you can consult this other article on our site about Warts in dogs - Causes and how to remove them.
Papilloma in dogs: diagnosis
Normally, only the physical examination of the warts and the history of our pet is enough for the veterinarian to suspect that we are dealing with a case of canine papilloma. In fact, the mere presence of warts in dogs is already a clear symptom of papillomatosis.
However, the definitive diagnosis is only possible with a small biopsy(incisional or excisional) followed by a histopathological analysis, that is, the analysis of the samples collected in the biopsy.
Treatment for papilloma in dogs
There is no treatment for papilloma in dogs. This is because in most cases, papillomas fall off on their own after a few weeks. Like human papilloma, canine papillomatosis can reappear after a few months. In fact, many papillomas spontaneously regress four to six months after infection and can last up to 12 months before regressing.
How to cure papilloma in dogs?
Although there is no way to remove papilloma in dogs forever, yes, in certain cases, the veterinarian can recommend some treatments to improve the aesthetics and quality of life of our pet, such as following:
- Surgery: if the warts swell, ulcerate or if our dog suffers from vision problems or has difficulty eating and swallowing, surgery is indicated as treatment. Some guardians, out of aesthetic interest, may also opt for surgical removal of these warts.
- Cryotherapy: Cold removal or electrocautery can also be used to remove papilloma in dogs. In this case, it will be the veterinarian who performs the treatment. We will never perform cryotherapy at home, as we could harm our pet.
- Immunotherapy: another option would be to use immunotherapy, a technique used to strengthen the dog's immune system against papilloma canine. It is important that our pet has a well-strengthened immune system, otherwise the animal could develop even more papillomas or suffer from other he alth problems.
- Medications: there is some other drug for papilloma in dogs, such as azithromycin, interferon or imiquimod, although some veterinarians assure that are not always effective.
- Chemotherapy: If the papilloma in dogs is malignant, chemotherapy may be necessary. In any case, it will always be the veterinarian who tells you what is best for your dog.
Home remedies for papilloma in dogs
If you wonder how to remove papilloma in dogs with home remedies, you should know that this option is not possibleThere is no home remedy for canine warts, however, you can apply a little Castor Oil to reduce your dog's irritation, if applicable.
To help your pet deal with this problem, you can consult this other article on Tips to strengthen the immune system in dogs.
