08/05/2023
Oral papilloma or Oral warts in Canines.
Viral papillomas, or oral warts, are small, benign skin tumors typically found on the lips, mouths and muzzles of canines. Though some papillomas may have a smooth appearance, most often you will notice a distinct cauliflower or 'sea anemone' type of appearance to the wart. You may observe a single papilloma, or more likely, the virus will lead to clusters of several. While most viral papillomas are found in the mouth region, appearing on the lips, tongue, roof of the mouth, or inside the cheeks, they may occasionally grow between toes or on the eyelid. Unless the sores, become infected, they will not cause the canine discomfort. However, if the sores become infected by bacteria in the mouth, the dog will likely feel pain due to swelling. In this case, antibiotics may be indicated.
Papillomas are bunches of abnormal cells caused by Canine Papillomavirus Type 1, a contagious DNA virus. The virus typically affects three groups of dogs: young dogs and puppies, typically less than two years of age; dogs with immune-disorders or an acute immune suppression and older dogs who accumulate warts as they age. In healthy dogs, papillomas will typically resolve themselves within 2-3 months. The good news is that once the dogs has had the virus, they will develop an immunity and likely not experience the condition again.
One of the most common questions about viral papillomas is whether an infected dog poses a risk to adults, children, or other animals. It is important to note that this virus is not transferrable to humans or other species, and can only be passed from canine to canine. The infection is present within the lesions, and thus can be passed mouth to mouth between dogs
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