Canine Papilloma Virus: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Canine papilloma virus

The canine papilloma virus (also called papillomavirus or CPV) causes generally harmless warts, called viral papillomas, to appear inside your dog’s mouth, lips, tongue, and on his body. According to Vetinfo, CPV attacks dogs with weakened immune systems. Viral papilloma is a viral infection that affects the skin and mucous membranes of dogs. Any dog can become infected with this virus, but it more frequently occurs in dogs younger than 2 years old and senior dogs. Adult dogs exposed to the papilloma virus are usually able to fight it off without warts appearing.

The oral cavity is a common location for viral papillomas to develop. It can occur in both dogs and cats. The virus causes cell proliferation in the epithelial cells of the tumor, which can lead to lesions or warts on the surface of the skin.

In some cases, the warts can become quite large and obstruct breathing. If your dog shows any signs of canine papillomavirus, it is important to take them to the vet as soon as possible. In this blog post, we will discuss the symptoms and risks associated with this canine oral papilloma virus.

Causes of Canine Oral Papillomas in Dogs

This is due to the canine papilloma virus (CPV), which is responsible for infecting dogs. Which is a member of the family Papovaviridae. This virus is spread through contact with an infected dog, typically through saliva. In some cases, the infection can cause difficulty breathing or swallowing.

What are the Symptoms of Canine Papilloma Virus?

The appearance of warts is the main indicator that your dog has canine papilloma virus. “Viral papillomas are round, but often have a rough, almost jagged surface – like a cauliflower,” notes the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Viral warts can pop up in a variety of sizes. They most often occur in clusters, although there may be individual warts. “Most commonly, warts occur around the eyes, in the mouth or other mucous membranes,” says Vetinfo. Webvet.com notes that the warts “may ulcerate or bleed, and the type that grows inward may be painful, particularly if they are on the feet.”

The incubation period for papilloma virus is usually two to four weeks, but it can be up to six months.

How is Canine Papilloma Virus Diagnosed?

If you notice a wart on your dog’s skin, take him to a veterinarian to have it examined. Your veterinarian will be able to determine if the wart is attributable to CPV or something else. “Your veterinarian may make an initial diagnosis based on the appearance of the lesion, but a skin biopsy is needed for confirmation,” notes Webvet. Vetinfo adds, “Your veterinarian may do tests to rule out sebaceous gland tumors or a malignancy. Standard tests in these cases included CBC (complete blood count), urinalysis, biochemical profile and biopsy of the growth.”

How are Viral Pillomas Treated?

Your dog’s immune system can usually fight off CPV, with warts disappearing within one to five months. Some of viral warts may remain permanently, but they are usually harmless. “Occasionally, oral papillomas can become infected with bacteria,” Perdue University notes. Veterinarians will prescribe antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Antibiotics are necessary in order to relieve discomfort, edema, and foul breath. We add that preventing your dog “from scratching, licking, or biting the wart will reduce itching, inflammation, ulceration, infection and bleeding.

Cleanness is essential in the treatment of ulcers. Surgery may be required if the knobs intrude with your dog’s capacity to eat or breathe, or if they bleed or become infected. There are several ways to help a dog with CPV. Your vet may prescribe anti-viral medication if your dog has warts in his mouth or throat. For external warts, your vet may recommend using a topical, over-the-counter wart remover made for humans.

Can Canine Papilloma Virus Be Prevented?

CPV is contagious (but not to humans). Your dog can become infected through direct contact with another dog. “They enter your pet’s body through cuts, scrapes, insect bites or areas of inflammation,” says Webvet. Vetinfo warns that if you have other dogs, you should isolate the infected dog for one to two months. It’s especially important to keep your infected dog away from puppies and senior dogs. Since CPV is a viral infection, it is important to strengthen your dog’s immune system. Vitamins A and E, along with green tea, are powerful, natural antioxidants that help your dog fight off infections.

Prevention

Prevention of canine oral papilloma is through good hygiene and prompt treatment of any infected dogs. Dog daycare facilities should be especially vigilant in preventing the spread of viral papilloma. As this virus can easily be passed from dog to dog. By keeping our dogs healthy and taking the above steps to prevent the spread of oral papilloma virus.