Papillomas in dogs

Papillomas in dogs are as common as in humans. But what causes them? Are they dangerous for your pet? How can they be treated? Which is more effective: folk remedies for removing papillomas in dogs or traditional medicine?

Human papillomavirus

Let's figure out what causes papillomas in dogs?

Papilloma – is a small benign neoplasm that appears as a result of the growth of epithelial cells affected by a DNA virus of the Papillomaviridae family.

Currently, approximately 5 different types of the virus have been identified in dogs and 8 feline papillomaviruses, each of which causes a specific form of the disease. The course of the disease and

The course of the disease and the extent of the damage depend primarily on the animal's immunity. There are numerous cases of spontaneous recovery in cats and dogs infected with the Papillomavirus. However, modern veterinary medicine pays special attention to this problem, focusing owners' attention on issues such as:

• spread of the virus (even animals that are ill in a latent form are carriers of viral infection);
• risk of bleeding and secondary infection when the neoplasm is injured;
• the risk of uncontrolled growth of papillomas (due to injury or removal);
• the transformation of cells from benign to malignant.

These 4 reasons why papillomas appear in dogs are compelling reasons to address the problem at the first signs of papillomavirus infection.

The cause of papillomas in dogs is the activity of the Papillomaviridae virus, acquired through direct and indirect contact with a sick animal.

It's important for breeders to know that the disease has a fairly long incubation period. The first symptoms may appear 1-2 months after infection, or they may not appear at all if the disease remains latent (hidden).

Types and locations of papillomas

In dogs, there are several types of papillomas, each with its own location and characteristic features of the course of the disease.

Oral papillomatosis (in the mouth)

This type of disease is most common because the virus most easily spreads to mucous membranes through animal contact (playing together, fighting, licking). For this same reason, oral infection often affects young, active dogs.

Growths can appear in areas such as:

• lips and cheeks, in the mouth;
• tongue and gums;
• conjunctiva of the eyes;
• external area of ​​the nostrils.

In appearance, they are small, cone-shaped growths with a soft, crumbly consistency. Papillomas in dogs can range in size from barely noticeable to large growths the size of a bean. Smooth, flat plaques (papules) initially appear, then elongate. A fully formed papilloma resembles a cauliflower inflorescence. If the animal's immune system is strong, the condition resolves on its own within about three months. In pets with weakened immune systems and older dogs, the number of growths can increase rapidly, requiring specialized treatment.

For more information on the treatment of this type of papillomas, watch the video:

Cutaneous exophytic papillomas

They most often appear on the paws, head, or eyelids. They can have a stalk or be cauliflower-like. They can be hard or soft in consistency, but are usually no more than 0.5 centimeters in diameter. They are usually smooth and not covered in hair.

Exophytic skin papillomas are most commonly reported in Cocker Spaniels and Kerry Blue Terriers. Older dogs are also at risk.

If the growth is located on the paw pad, the first symptom will be lameness, which the owner may notice even before the growth appears. You can see what this looks like in the photo below:

Prevention is better than cure. Dog shoes can be an effective way to protect paws.

Cutaneous inverted papillomas

Inverted (transitional cell) papillomas are often located in the groin or abdomen and appear in young individuals (8 months to 3 years). Inverted skin papillomas differ from the previous types in that they appear as low, round elevations with a sunken center. The body of the wart in this case is located internally, not externally. The problem can be single or multiple.

Transitional cell papillomas are very rare. They are dangerous because they can remain undetected for long periods of time, yet they have the potential to become malignant.Lentigo (pigmented plaques)

This type of disease occurs in both young and older animals. Plaques are most often localized on the abdomen and groin area. There is evidence of a genetic predisposition in breeds such as Schnauzers and Pugs. If the problem was diagnosed in one parent, there is a high probability of inheriting it.

Genital papillomatosis in dogs

Genital papillomatosis is uncommon in dogs. It is described as a sexually transmitted form of the papillomavirus, causing the development of tumors on the genitals.

Distinctive features of papillomas

An inexperienced dog breeder may wonder about the nature of a growth on their pet. Therefore, consider the distinctive signs of papillomas so that, if necessary, you can easily diagnose your dog correctly. Here are the signs:

1. characteristic area of ​​education (described above);
2. characteristic uneven bumpy surface resembling cauliflower;
3. the presence of a “leg” (narrowing at the point of junction with the skin).

The color of a papilloma can vary from light to crimson or black. The color of the growth largely depends on the dog's natural coat color.

As a rule, other types of warts and growths not associated with the activity of viruses of the Papillomaviridae family have a smooth surface.

The owner should be alerted by such manifestations as:

• a sharp increase in the number of neoplasms;
• large papillomas (they are easily injured);
• bleeding from a neoplasm;
• changes in the contours and structure of the papilloma.

In any case, the discovery of a neoplasm of unknown origin on your pet’s body is a reason to visit a veterinarian.

Diagnosis and treatment

Important! Treatment of papillomas in dogs and cats must be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. Never remove the growths yourself, as trauma can activate the cell degeneration process, leading to the development of malignant tumor.

In the vast majority of cases, papillomatosis in dogs is diagnosed by visual examination of the animal. Knowing where to look for signs of the problem, the breeder should regularly examine the animal. It's even better if this is done by a veterinarian during a routine checkup. If a growth, wart, or lump is detected, it's important to determine its nature. An inexperienced person can easily confuse a granuloma, a mole, a papilloma, and a malignant tumor. To establish a diagnosis, the veterinarian may recommend additional testing.

If there are no obvious manifestations on the skin or mucous membranes, but there is a suspicion that the dog is a carrier of the virus or is latent, Papillomaviridae can be detected through PCR diagnostics, which allows us to determine not only the presence of the virus itself, but also the type of virus.

Immunity correction

Solitary papillomas tend to resolve spontaneously within the first 2-5 months after their onset. If the animal has a strong immune system, its body will fight the virus on its own. Therefore, if isolated growths are detected, the veterinarian may take a wait-and-see approach and recommend immune-boosting medications.

For oral or isolated skin papillomas, dogs are prescribed interferon for a course of at least 2 months (and another month after all warts have disappeared).

Folk remedies

Important! Folk remedies should only be used on the advice of a doctor if the animal has been diagnosed with a single tumor in the early stages.

These tools include:

• celandine juice;
• dandelion juice;
• garlic;
• spurge.

Surgical intervention

If immunomodulatory therapy is ineffective, the number of warts increases, or the growth is bothering the animal, various surgical methods are used:

• traditional excision;
• laser therapy;
• cryodestruction;
• chemical coagulation;
• thermo and electrocoagulation;
• radiosurgery.

All methods are good, but often require a repeat visit to the veterinarian to “consolidate” the positive result.

Vaccine

The most effective method for treating HPV infection in dogs is a vaccine tailored to the animal's specific pathogen. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously every 7-10 days. Significant improvements should be expected no earlier than after 3 weeks of treatment.

Conclusion

Typically, canine papillomas are painless and benign growths. But are they really that safe? One of the downsides of papillomas in a dog's mouth is discomfort. The warts interfere with the animal's ability to grasp, chew, and swallow food properly. They can also increase salivation and cause bad breath.

Among other things, dogs chew on papillomas located on their extremities, which leads to bleeding. The resulting wound is an open door for all sorts of bacteria and fungi.

Be vigilant with pigmented plaques. They often progress to cancer. Make sure nothing rubs or presses on the papillomas (like a collar or muzzle).

Any questions? You can ask our website's staff veterinarian in the comments below, who will answer them as quickly as possible.

Read also:

• Histiocytoma in dogs: symptoms and treatment
• Lipomas in dogs: what they look like and how to remove them
• Cytological examination of skin in dogs