Symptoms and treatment of papilloma in dogs. Warts on dogs - how dangerous they are and how to treat them

At first glance, some types of diseases of domestic animals do not pose a particular danger to their life and health, being, rather, a cosmetic problem. For example, papilloma in dogs: just think, some kind of wart! But are they really safe? Are papillomas a harbinger of some more serious problems?

Warts, also called papillomas or fibropapillomas, are species-specific tumors (usually benign). Some varieties can become malignant (for example, squamous cell papilloma in dogs). This happens quite rarely, but such cases are still registered in world veterinary practice.

What are the reasons for their occurrence? They are caused by numerous viruses from the Papillomaviridae family. In domestic dogs, warts are usually found on the face (cutaneous papillomas) and in the mouth (oral papillomas). In principle, their prevalence is a relative concept, since with a high probability these formations can grow anywhere. Papillomas in dogs look different: some look like reddish nodules, while others may resemble heads of cauliflower. There are no “canons” here.

Why do some dogs suffer from warts while others have none? This is probably due to the weakness or maturity of the animal's immune system. Is there any scientifically identified predisposition to their occurrence? Certain breeds have been shown to have genetic “dependencies.” These are miniature schnauzers and terriers. In general, anything but a mastiff is more likely to become like a warthog. Perhaps this will make him more threatening? However, let's move on from jokes to facts.

Veterinarians also warn that long treatment corticosteroids may be a predisposing factor. The younger the animal, the higher the risk of papillomas appearing on its body. Viruses from the Papillomaviridae family that cause canine warts are extremely contagious to dogs. Thus, the infection can be transmitted from one animal to another after simple contact between them. Cases of transmission through poorly processed care products cannot be ruled out.

IN environment these pathogens are relatively stable and can for a long time be preserved in it. Fortunately, the papilloma virus is not transmitted to humans (or cats) due to its extremely pronounced species specificity. The incubation period is very variable and can vary from one to eight weeks from the moment the pathogen enters the body. Warts may disappear spontaneously within a few months, but sometimes they will persist for many years, and sometimes for the rest of the dog's life.

Read also: Impetigo in dogs: the essence of the disease and treatment methods

What could they be?

Beginners can't always tell for sure whether a growth they see on their dog's skin is a wart. Here are some of them features:

"Bulging" on the skin, especially on the limbs and face, in the mouth and around the eyes.

In some cases, the surface of papillomas can be very rough, “branched”; the growths look like miniature ones cauliflower.

The surface may be smooth, but the wart itself looks like a small nodule. Its color varies from crimson-red to black. Often the shade depends on the color of the dog's coat.

There are single papillomas, and they “prefer” remote places on the body: armpits, groin area.

Sometimes entire “broods” of warts form.

Some of them remain small.

In other cases, the tumor increases in size, and sometimes new papillomas appear.

Sometimes the wart bleeds. If this is the case, it is better to be wary: it is possible that the tumor is malignant. But you shouldn’t panic right away: dogs often scratch them and even tear them off, so it may not be cancer.

The older the dog, the more likely it is that individual, “isolated” warts will be found (especially on the paws and stomach). You can see an example of this in the photo.

Diagnosis

As you might guess, their availability is not difficult to find out. They can be seen on the dog's stomach, paws and other parts of the body. But it's not always that simple. For example, not all animal owners notice lesions on the vulva, with the exception of professional breeders who regularly examine their pets. In any case, if you even occasionally bring your dog for an annual preventive examination to an experienced veterinary specialist, these neoplasms will not go unnoticed. In particular, they are even found in the mouth. This is due to the fact that when checking for tartar good veterinarian will certainly examine the mucous membrane of the oral cavity.

It is more difficult to find them in the case of long-haired breeds. Especially in the case when the dog is terrified of the veterinarian and does not allow him to approach him. What areas need to be addressed? Special attention when examining your pet? Warts, as a rule, are found around the eyes and on the lip, gums and palate; they often cover the dog’s limbs, resembling a colony of honey mushrooms on an old stump. Of course, it’s hard not to notice them. The only exception is interdigital papillomas in dogs.

Read also: How to treat white worms in dogs: drug table, dosage, prevention

If they are not particularly cyclopean in size and do not greatly disturb the animal, their presence may remain a secret for a long time. In cases where spontaneous remission is noted, the only way to guess about the dog’s warts is by the scars between the toes.

"Advanced" diagnostic methods rarely necessary to confirm the presence of papillomas. Biopsy samples of suspicious growths can easily be taken and provided to the laboratory for detailed immunohistochemical examination, to identify a specific papillomavirus, or to rule out or confirm cancer. Occasionally, PCR is used, also known as polymerase chain reaction. With its help, not only viral papillomatosis in dogs is detected, but also the specific type of pathogen.

Electron microscopy can help set 100% accurate diagnosis, but in clinical settings One can only dream of such luxury.

Why are they dangerous, what are the visible effects of the appearance of warts?

Canine warts are usually painless and benign. But are they really safe? Warts in the mouth can cause discomfort, drooling and bad smell from mouth. Depending on where they are located, papillomas prevent the dog from normally grasping food, chewing and swallowing it (on the tongue, for example). If they grow between the toes, the animal may constantly lick and chew its paws, trying to get rid of the source of discomfort. Not only can this cause quite heavy bleeding, but also threatens the development of secondary bacterial and fungal infections of the skin of the paws.

Warts are usually painless and do not require treatment medical indications. Some owners want to remove papillomas from their dog for cosmetic reasons (on the eyelid), or in cases where they cause real discomfort to the animal. In general, this question is still open: yes, in most cases there is no harm from these benign tumors, but they can degenerate into malignant tumors (but this is very rare), dogs tear them off or chew them off, resulting in severe bleeding.

Usually, at the first symptoms of a possible illness, a person rushes to seek help from a specialist, since even brief data can help identify a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Veterinarians deal with four-legged patients. different types who do not know how to speak, much less complain about their illness. Despite this, they also need help, and they can get it in veterinary institutions.

A veterinarian needs to have a wealth of knowledge in order to be able to help pets. The health status of an animal can be determined by appearance, as well as after examining the coat, eyes and ears.

Animal owners have a huge responsibility, so they must also be able to provide first aid, know the main symptoms of common diseases and, if necessary, promptly isolate your pet from others like it or from people.

Some pet diseases do not pose any danger to the animal and others. But, for example, how safe is papilloma in dogs? Isn't it a precursor to a serious illness?

What is papilloma?

Papillomatosis is viral disease, which is quite common in dogs. the treatment of which should not be delayed are benign growths. Outwardly, they look like cauliflower inflorescences. Tumors are caused by DNA infection by papillomaviruses. The virus promotes the growth and division of epithelial cells, resulting in chromosomal instability and mutations.

Once the virus enters the body, it may not manifest itself immediately: it may take several weeks, or even a month, before the first signs appear. The pathogen is quite tenacious in the external environment.

Viral papillomatosis can be transmitted from one animal to another through contact, medical instruments and care items. However, the disease does not pose any danger to humans.

Symptoms

It is quite easy to detect the disease in your pet. Small pinkish growths with a smooth surface appear on any part of the body. If tumors are not detected in time, over time they will harden and become rough.

The virus only manifests itself externally; the dog has no internal ailments. Symptoms can be different, it all depends on the location of the tumors. If the disease has formed inside the oral cavity, then the dog’s feeding process becomes significantly more complicated: it becomes more difficult to swallow and chew food. Also arises profuse salivation and bad breath. Papilloma on a dog's paw prevents it from moving. In this case, the animal tries not to lean on the limb and limps noticeably, as it experiences painful sensations. It is worth paying attention to the fact that hair does not grow on tumors.

If symptoms are detected, you should immediately contact your veterinarian, as the disease can progress and develop from a benign tumor to a malignant one. 24/7 Vet clinic accepts patients at a time convenient for you. In order to distinguish papillomatosis from another disease, you need to know the following types neoplasms.

Types of papillomatosis

First of all, papilloma in dogs has next feature- it does not grow deep into the tissues, but only outward. In this case, the virus captures only the mucous membrane or upper layer epidermis. Usually papillomas small size, only in rare cases begin to increase. During the course of its life, an animal can tear off tumors, after which they begin to bleed.

The following types of viral papillomatosis are distinguished:

Oral papillomatosis. Young dogs are usually infected. The virus appears as white papules and affects the mouth, lips, sometimes the nose, conjunctiva and skin. hairline. Regression of tumors begins within 3 months.
Transitional cell papillomas. Also found mainly in young dogs. The lesion is round and covers the surface of the abdomen and axillary area.
Skin papillomas. This type is often found in adult dogs. In this case, the lesion involves the head, eyelids and feet. Papillomas are smooth and small (less than 0.5 cm in diameter).
Many pigmented papillomas. It is observed in small breeds of dogs. The lesions do not progress and are observed on the thighs and lower body of the animal. The appearance is characterized by pigmented plaques; in advanced forms, the neoplasms become scaly.
Papillomas of the fingertips. Found in older dogs. The tumors are hard and involve only the fingertips.
Genital papillomas. It occurs quite infrequently. The growths are raised and appear on the penis or vaginal mucosa.

Reasons for appearance

The virus enters the animal’s body through the slightest damage to skin or mucous membrane. First, it takes root in the basal cells, after which it penetrates the surface layer of the epithelium.

Usually dogs become infected with viral papillomatosis from each other through contact, through shared toys and sticks. This problem is especially common in shelters, because animals live crowded there and the likelihood of infection is very high. The risk group includes young animals with weak immunity. If infected adult dog with a weak immune system, yes Great chance transformation of a tumor into a malignant one.

Diagnostics

Papillomas in dogs on the body may not be detected even by the most experienced owners dogs. It is especially difficult to detect the presence of the disease in long-haired breeds, when the dog is terrified of the veterinarian and does not allow him to approach him for examination.

Immunity

In the case of spontaneous remission, most dogs become immune to the disease, or, in other words, immunity. However, parts of their cells retain the genome of the virus, so the animal can be a carrier of the disease and pose a danger to other individuals. acquired by dogs that have been injected with a specific serum containing virus-neutralizing antibodies. Insufficient immunity is said to occur when a benign formation develops into a malignant one.

Treatment of the disease

Basically, the disease occurs in mild form and viral papillomatosis eliminates itself. When this does not happen, you should show the dog qualified specialist. You should not make a diagnosis yourself, as you can cause irreparable harm to the animal.

In dogs it depends on their number and location.

When the papilloma in dogs is large enough and located on the pet’s skin, it can be removed at home. To do this, you need to bandage it with linen thread and cauterize it. After this procedure, the growth will turn black and fall off on its own.

If the papilloma is single and small in size, it can be smeared with celandine until blackness appears, after which it can be carefully cut off with a sterile knife. The wound must also be treated until complete healing.

When there are many formations, the veterinarian will prescribe intravenous administration 0.5% novocaine solution. The duration of treatment and dose will depend on the condition of the animal. IN special cases A “blockade” of novocaine is placed under the papilloma or injections are made into its base.

Papilloma in a dog's mouth is removed through surgery.

Prevention of occurrence

First of all, to prevent a dog from becoming infected with viral papillomatosis, it is necessary to maintain its immunity. Even if the animal gets sick, the symptoms will not be pronounced if the body is stronger. To do this, it is necessary to properly maintain the dog and adhere to a balanced diet.

The following tips will help you monitor your pet's health:

Regularly inspect the animal for tumors.
If you notice papilloma in another dog, do not let your pet near it.
The immune system can be strengthened by long walks and vitamins.
Papillomas in dogs that were treated in a specialized institution will heal much faster than those removed at home.
If there is a tumor, do not allow your pet to comb or tear it.
You can lubricate the wound with celandine only if the dog cannot reach it with his tongue.

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Papillomas in dogs are recorded as often as in humans. But what are the reasons for their appearance? Are they dangerous for your pet? How to get rid of them? What is more effective: folk remedies to eliminate papillomas in dogs or traditional medicine?

Let's figure it out - what are the causes of papillomas in dogs? Let's start with the fact that papilloma is a kind of benign tumor, which appears due to the fact that epithelial cells are affected by a DNA virus (from the Papillomaviridae family). Cells divide rapidly due to mutations that occur due to infection with a virus.

But it's not that simple.

In fact, about 5 have been identified various types virus in dogs and 8 “feline” papillomaviruses. Each of them is characterized by its own place of localization and different shape benign tumors.

The cause of papillomas in dogs is infection through direct and indirect contact with the source of the virus. The disease does not appear immediately. From the moment of “interaction” with an infected animal or object of care until the first signs appear, one to two months pass.

There is also such a term - persistence. It means that the virus, which should have already died, remains active. The papillomavirus remains persistent in the pet’s mouth for up to six months, and on the skin for up to a year!

Places of appearance of papillomas

If the dog is young, then most frequent place the appearance of papillomas is oral cavity animal. Papillomatosis – contagious disease, and dogs, as you know, love to lick themselves and each other, so the mouth suffers more often than other areas of the body. Papillomas on the limbs of dogs often appear in older dogs, and this type of formation is usually not contagious.

On the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, warts like to settle in the area:

language;
gums

In appearance, they are small, cone-shaped formations of a soft, loose consistency. The size of papilloma in a dog can reach a significant figure - the size of a bean. They, like ordinary fabric, have blood vessels, so when damaged they bleed.

Distinctive signs of papillomas

An inexperienced dog breeder may wonder about the nature of the formation appearing on the animal’s body. Therefore, consider the distinctive signs of papillomas, so that if something happens, you can easily give the dog the correct diagnosis. So, the signs:

The appearance of unnatural growths on the skin. This is especially true for the dog’s limbs, muzzle, mouth, and area around the eyes.
Sometimes the surface of papilloma in dogs resembles a miniature cauliflower. In appearance it is a rough, branched surface.
Another type of wart has a smooth surface, resembling a nodule in appearance. Another sign is the color of the papilloma. Basically the color varies from crimson to completely black. The color scheme of the formation largely depends on the natural color of the dog’s coat.

If you find lonely formations in remote places body of the pet, then these are single papillomas. Their usual location is axilla, groin area. Although more often, warts grow in “families”. Some grow big, others remain small forever.

If a probable papilloma bleeds, it’s not very good sign, such a tumor may be of a malignant nature. But also premature causes No need to panic either. After all, the dog could simply scratch or bite through the papilloma, and this happens often.

Diagnostics

In principle, it is clear that finding papilloma in a dog is not a very difficult task. It is enough to examine the animal’s body and oral cavity. But in some cases, everything is not so simple. For example, not every animal owner will notice a lesion on the vulva. Typically, only professional breeders carry out this type of inspection.

Although even without having the skills to find papillomas in a dog, the problem can be easily solved with the help preventive examination at the veterinarian. The specialist will definitely not ignore suspicious formations. In particular, the doctor even finds papillomas in the dog’s mouth, because during the examination he checks the condition of the animal’s teeth and mucous membrane.

Although in some cases, a veterinarian can examine papillomatosis in a dog using PCR and even electron microscopy. This allows you to be 100% sure of the presence of papillomas and calculate the type of causative agent of the disease.

Types of papillomas

There are several types of papillomas in dogs. And the appearance of the wart depends on its type.

In the oral cavity (oral papillomatosis)

Papillomas in dogs appear in the oral cavity, on the lips, but can move to the nose, conjunctiva, and fur-covered skin of the face. First, smooth flat plaques (papules) appear on the tissues, then they stretch out. The “formed” papilloma looks like a cauliflower inflorescence. If the animal’s immunity is strong, then the disease disappears on its own after about 3 months. Young animals are the most susceptible.

Skin papillomas

There are also 2 types of skin papillomas in dogs: exophytic and inverted. Exophytic ones often appear on the paws, head, even on the eyelids. They can be either with a leg or like cauliflower. They can be hard or soft in consistency, but their diameter is no more than half a centimeter. Usually smooth and without hair. There is a breed and age predisposition. Most often, exophytic skin papillomas are recorded in cocker spaniels and Cary blue terriers, as well as in elderly mustaches.

Inverted papillomas often appear in young dogs (age from eight months to 3 years). If we talk about the place of localization, then this is the groin and tummy. There can be either a single wart or multiple growths. Inverted cutaneous papilloma is a round raised area with a small depression in the center.

Multiple pigmented plaques

We can say that there is genetic predisposition. In schnauzers and pugs, for example, very often this type Papillomas are inherited. Both young and adult mustaches get sick. Plaques are localized on the tummy and in groin area.

On the pads of the fingers

Papilloma in dogs on the toe pads is extremely rare. With it, thickenings (keratin growths) appear on the pads of the mustache, but papillomas practically do not appear between the fingers. Lameness may occur. Complications due to the accumulation of secondary infection (bacteria) are noted. What leads to the appearance of warts on the pads has not yet been studied.

Genital papillomatosis in dogs

Fortunately, genital papillomatosis in dogs is rarely reported. Described as a venereal form of papillomavirus. Warts and plaques appear on the genitals.

Treatment

Before starting treatment for papilloma in a dog, you must consult a veterinarian. The fact is that it can be confused with a neoplasm ( squamous cell carcinoma), granuloma or mole. And if you start treating an animal for a completely different disease, you can cause irreparable damage to it.

Most papillomas in dogs disappear on their own after a few months due to the pet developing immunity to the pathogen. But it happens that therapy is required to rid your pet of papillomas.

Surgical intervention

If papillomas are isolated or interfere with the animal (for example, eating), then veterinarian decides to resort to surgical intervention. Laser and cryogenic therapy are good, but often require a second visit to the veterinarian to “fix” positive result. For oral or single skin papillomas, interferon is prescribed for a course of at least 2 months (and another month after the disappearance of all warts).

Vaccination

There is a papillomavirus vaccine that also gives positive effect(the animal develops immunity, so the formations begin to disappear).

Typically, canine papillomas are painless and benign formations. But is everything really safe? One of the disadvantages of papillomas in a dog’s mouth is discomfort. Warts prevent the animal from grasping, chewing and swallowing food normally. They may cause your pet to increase salivation and develop bad breath.

Among other things, dogs chew papillomas located on the limbs, which leads to bleeding. And the resulting wound is opened door for all kinds of bacteria and fungi.

You need to be on alert with pigmented plaques. They often turn into cancer. Make sure that nothing rubs or squeezes the papillomas (collar, muzzle, for example).

Still have questions? You can ask them to our site's in-house veterinarian in the comment box below, who as soon as possible will answer them.

Warty papillomas can often be seen on the mucous membranes or skin of dogs. These formations arise as a result of infection by the virus and can cause pain or discomfort to the animal, especially in multiple quantities. This problem, which requires immediate attention to a specialist, is called viral papillomatosis.

Papillomas in dogs are benign formations different sizes and cone-shaped. In young animals under 3 years of age, growths are more often observed in the esophagus and oral cavity: on the lips, cheeks, gums or tongue, while the animal is the carrier and distributor of the virus. In older dogs, papillomas may appear on the eyes, paws, or ears. In this case, they have a keratinized surface and do not pose a danger to other individuals of this species.

The virus that causes papillomatosis in dogs penetrates epithelial cells through wounds and microcracks. By dividing, it grows and provokes chromosomal instability, as well as mutations. As a result of these phenomena, benign neoplasms. There are cases where some types of papillomas transform into malignant carcinomas, but this happens quite rarely.

The non-enveloped causative agent of papillomatosis, belonging to the Papovaviridae family, is highly resistant to external environment and reagents chemical origin. In its structure, 6 protein units can be distinguished. Once a dog is infected, no symptoms will appear for a month, or they may not appear at all if the animal strong immunity and satisfactory living conditions. But even in this case, the infected organism is dangerous to other individuals.

Most often the virus is transmitted:

Upon contact healthy dog with an infected person;
Through medical instruments;
Through pet care items and toys.

Animals with low immunity that have experienced illness or stress are most susceptible to infection. It is worth noting that canine viral papillomatosis does not pose a danger to humans.

Varieties of the disease

The peculiarity of papillomas is that they grow outward, and not inside the tissues of the upper layer of skin or mucous membranes. Since blood capillaries pass through these formations, blood may ooze out when they are torn off.

All papillomas can be divided into types according to their location on the animal’s body:

Oral – appear in young dogs in the form of white papules in the dog’s mouth, and in some cases on the lips or nose;
Transitional cell - have round shape and occur in the abdomen and armpits;
Skin – small formations up to 0.5 cm in size, most often appear on the head or eyelids of adult dogs;
Pads - occur in adult dogs on the pads of their paws;
Multiple - appear in small breeds on the lower part of the body or thighs in the form of pigmented plaques, which over time become covered with scaly tissue;
Genital – very rare, located on the genitals of animals.

In some cases, only a qualified specialist can determine the type of papillomatosis in dogs.

Symptoms and diagnosis

After incubation period, a month after infection with the virus, smooth round rashes appear on the mucous membranes or skin of the animal Pink colour. Over time, they grow, acquire a layered shape and roughness, and the shade becomes darker. If left untreated, papillomas can take up large area on a certain area of the body, but most often these are single formations.

The presence of signs of papillomatosis depends on the location of the warts. If the formations are in the mouth, the following signs may be observed:

Difficulty chewing and swallowing food;
Increased salivation;
Unpleasant odor from the mouth.

The presence of papillomas on the pads of the paws also brings great inconvenience to the dog, and the animal may limp or not stand on its leg due to pain. Some types of papillomas do not cause discomfort to the animal, but if they are accidentally torn off, bleeding occurs, followed by infection of the wound. In any case, you need to contact a veterinarian and treat your pet, because the wart can grow, thereby complicating the dog’s condition.

Typically, the diagnosis of papillomatosis is made based on external examination pet and further implementation laboratory research sample of a neoplasm on the dog's body. Diagnosis may be hampered by the presence of thick fur. Affected areas in hard-to-reach places, such as among the paw pads or on the genitals, can also be very difficult to notice.

Treatment and drug therapy

Papilloma in a dog can go away on its own if the animal’s health improves, as well as the diet is adjusted. But if no efforts help get rid of the wart, which bothers the animal or causes physical pain, the veterinarian decides to remove it surgically.

Types of operations used to remove papillomas in dogs:

Cryosurgery – removal of harmful cells under the influence of low temperatures;
Removal with a surgical scalpel;
Electrocoagulation – removal of formations using current;
Laser removal.

The first three options are carried out under local anesthesia. Most often, preference is given to removal with a scalpel, because this method is more accessible, reliable and safe. By using laser therapy remove large growths or warts that have arisen in hard-to-reach places. The decision about surgery is made by the veterinarian based on examination of the pet, test results and visual examination.

Most often, removal of papillomas is prescribed to the following categories of animals:

Young dogs up to 4 years old;
Old individuals after 10 years;
Puppies;
Dogs of different ages with weakened immunity.

There are options for removing papillomas at home, which are highly undesirable. It is better to immediately consult a veterinarian and discuss with him the safe modern methodology removal, effective and painless. Harmless at first glance traditional traditional methods self-medication can provoke the transition of a benign formation to a malignant one.

If papilloma in a dog does not disappear for a long time, treatment with drug therapy can cause remission of the disease within two weeks after starting to use the drugs.

It is important to remember that some medications for papillomatosis can cause severe adverse reactions, so you need to use them for your pet on the recommendation of a veterinarian.

Also used for the treatment of papillomatosis:

Special creams and ointments;
Intravenous administration of novocaine.

Papilloma should not be allowed to degenerate into fibrosarcoma, which is different high density and a scaly surface, since this formation often recurs after removal.

Preventive measures

One of the main methods of preventing papillomatosis today is animal vaccination. Pet hygiene and the cleanliness of all equipment for its care also play a huge role. Properly selected housing conditions and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will significantly reduce the risk of animal disease.

Prevention methods:

Systematic examination of the animal’s body for the presence of neoplasms;
Limiting your pet’s contact with strange, unfamiliar dogs;
Walks in the open air;
If warts are found, minimize the risk of your dog scratching or picking them off.

It is important to remember that quality effective therapy Only a professional can provide this, so you should not try to treat animals yourself with questionable methods.

If papilloma is detected in your pet, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible, and you should also carry out preventive examinations in a timely manner. The appearance of soft benign formations on the body of animals and people are called papillomatosis, popularly – warts. Most often, warts in dogs are a cosmetic problem, however, if there is a risk of damage to the papillomas, treatment or removal is necessary. Universal remedy there is no way to treat papillomas, but it is reliably known that warts occur when the immune system is weakened and go away without surgical intervention

after general rehabilitation therapy. Papillomavirus (PV) cannot be eradicated, only healed and made to “sleep”, due to the fact that it contains DNA. The immune system

the carrier does not perceive the virus as an “enemy”, considering it part of the body’s DNA. It is possible to identify the enemy using a laboratory blood test, however, the virus is not considered dangerous and its detection is not included in the mandatory examination course. The virus is transmitted through close and regular contact with a carrier. Minimum term The incubation period is 1–2 months, after which the virus goes into latent form or the dog develops warts.

Animals at risk are those with:

Puppies and teenagers.

Elderly dogs. Pets who have had severe stress

, illness, surgery, injury. Sufferers chronic diseases

, which occur hidden. There is no need to rack your brains, thinking about what to do and how to protect yourself from the virus, humanity is on this moment

Important! You should not be afraid of papillomavirus “like fire,” much less disown your pet when the disease is detected. In fact, warts are quite easy to remove, and you, the owner, most likely already have HPV (human papillomavirus).

Read also: Hypertension - high pressure in dogs

Is it possible to “catch” warts from a dog?

In fact, if you observe personal hygiene measures, do not eat from a dog’s bowl, and do not rub your pet’s saliva into wounds and scratches, infection is impossible. However, if there are other dogs in your house who “share” a bowl, bedding with the carrier and come into contact with saliva, infection is quite possible.

Important! The virus can be transmitted from a carrier to healthy dog by contact of mucous secretions with injured skin.

Are warts dangerous for dogs?

The neoplasms vary greatly in appearance but are caused by a single “agent.” Warts can appear on the dog's body or on mucous membranes, most often in the mouth. Skin lesions begin in areas covered with delicate skin - on the paw (elbows), inner thigh, groin area, armpits.

The appearance of warts on mucous membranes is considered more dangerous manifestation illness. A wart located on the lip, palate or inside The dog's cheeks can be torn off when chewing food, which can lead to a secondary complication - infection. Veterinarians note that in advanced stages, papillomas spread from the oral cavity and appear on the dog’s face, more precisely, on outside graze.

Read also: Osteochondrosis - joint problems in dogs

The ears and ear canals of animals are covered with thin skin, and a small layer of subcutaneous tissue is literally pierced nerve endings and capillaries. Warts on the ear most often cause itching and discomfort, prompting the animal to scratch. And again the danger of scratching and complications due to infection.

Let's briefly look at the types of papillomas. Externally, the new growths have some similarities with cauliflower, but can vary in:

Size– from 0.1 to 5 mm. It is possible that the size of warts may go beyond the boundaries of the “classical gradation”.

Blossom– flesh, brown, gray, yellow and combinations of shades.

Structure– dense, hard, soft.

Method of “implementation” into the skin– ingrown, attached to the leg.

Papillomas, which are attached to the dog’s body or mucous membrane with the help of a leathery stalk (see photo), literally dangle, which increases the risk of damage. Ingrown warts are dangerous due to possible transformation into malignant tumor– squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of degeneration does not depend on the color, size and structure of the neoplasm.

Be carefull! The presence of PV is confirmed or refuted by examination - a blood test, skin scraping, and, if necessary, a biopsy. If the vet makes a diagnosis by eye, change the doctor.

How to rid a dog of warts?

After the incubation period, the disease gains momentum for 3 months, after which remission is possible. Naturally, the situation cannot be “left to chance,” especially if the oral cavity is affected. There are several effective methods, allowing you to remove warts from a dog.

One rule for all methods: a course of immunostimulants, diet adjustments, comfort and peace. If warts cause itching, it is prescribed antihistamine. The presence of scratching suggests the use of anti-inflammatory ointments.