Warts (Papillomatosis) in Dogs

Papillomas, or warts, are benign tumors caused by a viral infection in dogs. They are usually harmless, but many other skin conditions present similarly to warts so a correct diagnosis is necessary before deciding to forgo treatment.

In some cases, warts might ulcerate and bleed. Some forms of papillomas grow inwards, which might cause discomfort and pain, especially on the feet or in the mouth. Large warts inside the mouth can become extremely painful and even affect normal chewing. Papillomas might develop secondary skin infections in severe cases.

Papillomas, or warts, are very common in dogs. In most cases, the tumors disappear on their own. Surgical or cryothermal removal is only necessary if warts become infected, inflamed, or too numerous. Puppies are particularly susceptible to infection.

Warts are caused by a papillomavirus infection. Dogs can get infected through contact with a contagious dog or through their environment (water bowl, food). The virus enters the body through cuts and abrasions, or from biting insects including ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes.

Papillomas may present as multiple or solitary wartlike masses. They are commonly found in the oral cavity and on lips, but can also be found on the eyelid, conjunctiva, or genital region.

Warts may present with different characteristics: they can be round and smooth, like human warts, or present with a scaly, cauliflower-like aspect. Papillomas may also appear as dark, flat masses on the skin.

Most warts have a typical appearance and can be diagnosed through a routine physical examination. To confirm the presumptive diagnosis, cytology and/or biopsy is required.

Most papillomas do not need treatment as they usually resolve spontaneously. If the tumor does not disappear on its own, if there are many tumors, or if it is causing pain or discomfort, the usual treatment is surgical removal. Another tumor removal option is cryogenic therapy (freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen). In severe cases, if the tumor leads to a secondary skin infection, antibiotics may be necessary.

Most papillomas usually start regressing on their own after one or two months. Oral cavity papillomas might take more time, usually three months or longer. Persistent tumors may need to be surgically removed, but the overall prognosis is good.

Papillomas are contagious. Transmission happens through dog-to-dog contact or through contact with a contaminated object (such as water bowls or toys). Papillomavirus can survive in extreme environments. Prevention is often difficult as some carriers might be asymptomatic. Some form of papillomavirus exists for all species, including humans, but the virus is species-specific so transmission between dogs and other species is not possible.

Papillomas are common, especially in puppies.

• Benign neglect
• Surgical removal
• Cryogenic removal
• Antibiotics