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

At first glance, some varieties of pet diseases do not pose a particular danger to their life and health, being rather a cosmetic problem. Here, 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 of benign etiology). Some varieties can degenerate into malignant ones (for example, squamous cell papilloma in dogs). It happens quite rarely, but such cases are still recorded in the 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 commonly found on the face (skin 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 cauliflower heads. There are no "canons" here.

Why do some dogs get warts while others don't? 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 found to have a genetic "addiction". These are miniature schnauzers and terriers. In general, some kind of warthog is more likely to become like a warthog, but not a mastiff. Perhaps this will make him more threatening? However, from jokes we will pass to the facts.

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

AT environment these pathogens are relatively stable, and can for a long time be stored 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 spontaneously disappear in a few months, but sometimes they will persist for many years, and sometimes for the rest of the dog's life.

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What can they be?

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

"Protrusions" on the skin, especially on the limbs and muzzle, in the mouth and around the eyes.

In some cases, the surface of the papillomas can be very rough, "branched", the outgrowths look like a miniature cauliflower.

The surface may be smooth, 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 coat of the dog itself.

There are single papillomas, and they "prefer" remote places on the body: armpits, inguinal region.

Sometimes whole "broods" of warts are formed.

Some of them are still small.

In other cases, the neoplasm increases in size, 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 should not panic right away: dogs often comb them and even tear them off, so it may not be cancer.

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

Diagnosis

As you might guess, it is not difficult to find out about their presence. They can be seen on the dog's stomach, its paws and other parts of the body. But not always everything is so simple. For example, not all pet owners notice vulvar lesions, with the exception of professional breeders who regularly examine their pets. In any case, if you bring your dog at least occasionally to an annual check-up to an experienced veterinarian, 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 terribly afraid of the veterinarian and does not let him near him. What areas should be addressed Special attention when examining your pet? Warts, as a rule, are found around the eyes and on the lip, gums and palate, often they cover the limbs of the dog, resembling a colony of mushrooms on an old stump. Of course, it's hard not to notice them. The only exception is interdigital papillomas in a dog.

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If they do not differ in particularly cyclopean sizes and do not greatly interfere with the animal, their presence may remain a secret for a long time. In the case when spontaneous remission is noted, the warts that were in the dog can only be guessed from the scars between the fingers.

"Advanced" diagnostic methods rarely needed 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, it is also polymerase chain reaction. With its help, not only viral papillomatosis in dogs is detected, but also a specific type of pathogen.

Electron microscopy can help expose 100% accurate diagnosis, but in clinical setting 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 that 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 grasping food normally, chewing and swallowing it (on the tongue, for example). If they grow between the toes, then the animal can constantly lick and gnaw its paws, trying to get rid of the source of discomfort. Not only can it cause enough 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 neoplasms, but they can degenerate into malignant tumors (but this is very rare), dogs tear them off or bite them off, resulting in severe bleeding.

Usually, at the first symptoms of a possible illness, a person hurries to seek help from a specialist, since even brief data can help identify the diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Veterinarians deal with four-legged patients different types who do not know how to speak, let alone 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, isolate the pet in time from its kind or from people.

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

What is papilloma?

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

Penetrating into the body, the virus may not manifest itself immediately: it may take several weeks or even a month before the first signs appear. The causative agent 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

Finding a disease in your pet is quite simple. On any part of the body, small growths of a pinkish color with a smooth surface appear. If the tumors are not detected in time, then over time they will coarsen and become rough.

The virus manifests itself only in appearance, 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 process of feeding the dog is much 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 her from moving. In this case, the animal tries not to lean on the limb and limps noticeably, as it experiences pain. It is worth paying attention to the fact that wool 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 veterinary clinic accepts patients at a convenient time 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. An animal in the course of its life activity can disrupt neoplasms, after which they begin to bleed.

There are the following types of viral papillomatosis:

oral papillomatosis. Young dogs are usually infected. The virus is a white papules and captures the oral cavity, lips, sometimes the nose, conjunctiva and skin with hairline. Tumor regression begins within 3 months.
Transitional cell papillomas. Also found mostly in young dogs. The lesion is rounded, captures the surface of the abdomen and axillary zone.
Skin papillomas. This species is often found in adult dogs. In this case, the lesion captures the head, eyelids and feet of the paws. Papillomas are smooth and small (less than 0.5 cm in diameter).
Numerous pigmented papillomas. It is observed in small breeds of dogs. The lesions are non-progressive and are seen on the thighs and lower torso of the animal. The appearance is characterized by pigmented plaques; in the advanced form, the neoplasms become scaly.
Papillomas of the fingertips. Found in age dogs. The tumors are hard and involve only the fingertips.
Papillomas of the genitals. It occurs quite infrequently. The growths are elevated and appear on the penis or vaginal mucosa.

Reasons for the appearance

The virus enters the body of an animal through the slightest damage to the skin or mucous membrane. At first, it takes root in the basal cells, after which it penetrates into 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 there animals live crowded and the likelihood of infection is very high. The risk group includes young animals with weak immunity. If it gets infected adult dog with a weak immune system 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 identify the presence of the disease in long-haired breeds, when the dog is terribly afraid of the veterinarian and does not allow him to come to him for examination.

Immunity

In the case of spontaneous remission, most dogs develop immunity to disease, in other words, immunity. However, parts of their cells retain the genome of the virus, so that the animal can be a carrier of the disease and pose a danger to other individuals. acquire dogs that have been injected with a specific serum containing virus-neutralizing antibodies. They say about insufficient immunity when a benign formation develops into a malignant one.

Treatment of the disease

The disease mainly occurs in mild form and viral papillomatosis is eliminated by itself. When this does not happen, show the dog qualified specialist. Do not make a diagnosis yourself, as you can cause irreparable harm to the animal.

In dogs, it depends on their number and location.

When papilloma in dogs is large enough and located on the pet's skin, it can be removed at home. To do this, it must be tied up with linen thread and cauterized. After such a procedure, the growth will turn black and fall off by itself.

If the papilloma is single and small in size, it can be lubricated with celandine until blackness appears, after which it is 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. AT special occasions a “blockade” of novocaine is placed under the papilloma or injections are made into its base.

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

Prevention of the appearance

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

The following tips will help keep your pet healthy:

Regularly inspect the animal for neoplasms.
If you notice a papilloma in another dog, do not let your pet near it.
Immunity can be strengthened by long walks and vitamins.
Papillomas in dogs treated in a specialized institution will heal much faster than those removed at home.
In the presence of a tumor, do not allow the pet to comb and tear it.
You can lubricate the wound with celandine only if the dog does not reach it with its 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 a pet? How to get rid of them? What is more effective: folk remedies to eliminate papillomas in dogs or traditional medicine?

Let's see - 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 not everything is so simple.

In fact, about 5 various kinds virus in dogs and 8 "feline" papillomaviruses. Each of them has its own place of localization and various shape benign tumors.

The reason for the appearance of papillomas in dogs is infection through direct and indirect contact with a 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, it takes from one to two months.

There is another term - persistence. It means that the virus, which should have already died, remains active. Papillomavirus, on the other hand, remains persistent in the pet's mouth for up to six months, and on the skin for up to a year!

Locations of papillomas

If the dog is young, then the 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 parts of the body. Papillomas on the limbs of a dog are more common in older individuals 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, these are small, cone-shaped formations of a soft, loose consistency. The size of a papilloma in a dog can reach a significant figure - the size of a bean. They, like ordinary fabric, have blood vessels so they bleed when damaged.

Distinctive features of papillomas

An inexperienced dog breeder may wonder about the nature of the formation that appeared on the animal's body. Therefore, consider the distinguishing features of papillomas, so that in which case, you can easily make the correct diagnosis for the dog. So the signs are:

The appearance of unnatural growths on the skin. This is especially true of the limbs, the muzzle of the dog, the oral cavity, the area around the eyes.
Sometimes the surface of papilloma in dogs resembles miniature cauliflower. In appearance, it is a rough, branched surface.
In another type of wart, the surface is smooth, looking like a knot. Another sign is the color of the papilloma. Basically, the color varies from a crimson hue to completely black. The color scheme of education largely depends on the natural color of the dog's coat.

If you find lonely formations in remote places body of a pet, then these are single papillomas. Their usual location is armpit, groin area. Although more often, warts grow in "families". Some grow big, others stay small forever.

If a probable papilloma bleeds, this is not very good sign, such a tumor may be malignant in nature. But also premature causes no panic either. After all, the dog could simply comb 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 body of the animal and the oral cavity. But in some cases, things are not so simple. For example, not every owner of the animal will notice the defeat of the vulva. Usually, only professional breeders do this kind of inspection.

Although even without the skills to search for papillomas in a dog, the problem is easily solved with the help of 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 teeth and mucous membrane of the animal.

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 pathogen.

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 appear in dogs in the oral cavity, on the lips, but they can also move to the nose, and to the conjunctiva, and to the skin of the muzzle, covered with hair. First, smooth flat plaques (papules) appear on the tissues, then they are drawn 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. It is young individuals that are most susceptible.

Skin papillomas

Skin papillomas in dogs are also of 2 types: exophytic and inverted. Exophytic often appear on the legs, head, even on the eyelids. They can be both with a leg, and like cauliflower. By consistency, they can be hard and soft, but the diameter is not more than half a centimeter. Usually smooth and hairless. There is a breed and age predisposition. More often than others, exophytic skin papillomas are recorded in Cocker Spaniels and Keri 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. It can be either a single wart or multiple growths. An inverted dermal papilloma is a round raised area with a small indentation in the center.

Multiple pigmented plaques

It can be said that there genetic predisposition. In schnauzers, in pugs, for example, very often this species papillomas are inherited. Both young and adult mustaches are ill. Plaques are localized on the tummy and in inguinal region.

On the fingertips

Papilloma in dogs on the fingertips is extremely rare. With it, thickenings (keratin growths) appear on the mustache on the pads, and papillomas practically do not appear between the fingers. Lameness may appear. There are complications due to the layering of a secondary infection (bacteria). 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 should consult a veterinarian. The fact is that it can be confused with a neoplasm ( squamous cell carcinoma), granuloma or mole. And by starting to treat an animal for a completely different disease, you can cause irreparable damage to it.

For the most part, papillomas in dogs disappear on their own after a few months due to the development of immunity in the pet to the pathogen. But it happens that therapy is required to rid the pet of papillomas.

Surgical intervention

If papillomas are single 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 return 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, which also gives positive effect(the animal develops immunity, so the formations begin to disappear).

Usually, canine papillomas are painless and benign. But is it all safe? One of the disadvantages of papillomas in the dog's mouth is discomfort. Warts prevent the animal from grasping, chewing and swallowing food normally. From them, the pet may increase salivation and develop bad breath.

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

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

Do you have any questions? You can ask them to our website staff veterinarian in the comment box below, which in 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 with a virus and can bring pain or discomfort to the animal, especially in multiple quantities. This problem, which requires urgent treatment to a specialist, is called viral papillomatosis.

Papillomas in dogs are benign formations different sizes and conical shape. In young individuals up to 3 years old, growths in the esophagus and oral cavity are more often observed: on the lips, cheeks, gums or tongue, while the animal is a carrier and distributor of the virus. In older dogs, papillomas may occur 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 the 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 when some varieties of papillomas are transformed into malignant carcinomas, but this happens quite rarely.

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

Most often, the virus is transmitted:

On contact healthy dog with the infected
Through medical instruments;
Through pet care items and toys.

Animals with low immunity that have survived illness or stress are most susceptible to infection. It should be noted that canine viral papillomatosis does not pose a danger to humans.

Varieties of the disease

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

All papillomas can be divided into types according to their placement on the body of the animal:

Oral - occur in young individuals in the form of white papules in the dog's mouth, and in some cases - on the lips or nose;
transitional cells - have round shape and occur in the abdomen and armpits;
Skin - small formations up to 0.5 cm in size, most often occur on the head or eyelids in adult dogs;
Pillow - occur in adult dogs on the paw pads;
Multiple - appear at small breeds on the lower part of the body or thighs in the form of pigmented plaques, which eventually become covered with scaly tissue;
Genital - are 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 large area on a certain part 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, then the following signs may be observed:

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

It also brings great inconvenience to the dog, the presence of papillomas on the paw pads, while the animal may limp or not stand on its foot due to pain. Some types of papillomas do not cause discomfort to the animal, but if they are accidentally torn off, bleeding opens with subsequent infection of the wound. In any case, you need to contact the veterinarian and treat the pet, because the wart can grow, thereby complicating the dog's condition.

As a rule, the diagnosis of papillomatosis is made on the basis of external examination pet and further laboratory research a sample of neoplasm on the body of a dog. Diagnosis may be hindered by the presence of thick hair. 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, subject to an improvement in the health of the animal, as well as adjusting the diet. But if no efforts help to get rid of the wart, which interferes with 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 with the help of current;
Laser removal.

The first three options are 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 the operation is made by the veterinarian based on the examination of the pet, the results of tests and visual examination.

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

Young dogs up to 4 years;
Old individuals after 10 years;
puppies;
Dogs different ages with a weakened immune system.

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

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

It is important to remember that some papillomatosis drugs can cause severe adverse reactions Therefore, 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.

It is impossible to allow the degeneration of papilloma 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 the vaccination of animals. Also a huge role is played by the hygiene of the pet and the cleanliness of all devices for its care. Properly selected conditions of detention and a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals will significantly reduce the risk of animal disease.

Prevention methods:

Systematic examination of the body of the animal for the presence of neoplasms;
Restriction of contact of the pet with strange unfamiliar dogs;
Walks in the open air;
If warts are found, minimizing the risk of scratching or plucking them by the dog.

It is important to remember that quality effective therapy only a professional can provide, so you should not try to treat animals yourself with dubious methods. If papilloma is found in a pet, you should contact your veterinarian as soon as possible, and you should also conduct preventive examinations in a timely manner.

The appearance of soft benign formations on the body of animals and people is called papillomatosis, in the people - warts. Most often, warts in dogs are a cosmetic problem, however, if the warts are at risk of damage, treatment or removal is necessary. Universal remedy how to treat papillomas does not exist, but it is reliably known that warts occur with weakened immunity and disappear without surgical intervention after general rehabilitation therapy.

Papillomavirus (PV) cannot be eradicated, only healed and put 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 organism's DNA. It is possible to identify the enemy with the help of 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 incubation is 1-2 months, after which the virus becomes latent or the dog develops warts. At risk are animals with:

Puppies and teenagers.

Elderly dogs.

Pets who have undergone severe stress, illness, surgery, injury.

suffering chronic diseases that are hidden.

You should not “puzzle your head”, think about what to do and how to protect yourself from the virus, humanity, on this moment, is powerless against DNA-containing viruses. There are two ways out: either to live in a sterile environment (which is impossible), or to eliminate neoplasms in time and prevent mass destruction.

Important! You should not be afraid of the papillomavirus "like fire", especially to disown the pet when an illness is detected. In fact, warts are easy enough to remove, and you, the host, most likely already have HPV (human papillomavirus).

Read also: Hypertension - high pressure in dogs

Is it possible to "pick up" warts from a dog?

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

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

Are warts dangerous for dogs?

Neoplasms vary considerably 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 with areas covered with delicate skin - on the paw (elbows), inner thigh, groin, armpits.

The appearance of warts on the mucous membranes is considered more dangerous manifestation ailment. A wart located on the lip, palate, or inside the dog's cheeks can be torn off when chewing food, which threatens with a secondary complication - infection. Veterinarians note that advanced stages, papillomas spread from the oral cavity and appear on the face of the dog, 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 itch. Again, the danger of scratching and complications due to infection.

Let us briefly dwell on the types of papillomas. Outwardly, neoplasms have some resemblance to cauliflower, but can vary in:

size– from 0.1 to 5 mm. It is possible that the size of the warts may go beyond the boundaries of the "classic gradation".

color- flesh, brown, gray, yellow and combinations of shades.

structure- dense, hard, soft.

The method of "introduction" into the skin- ingrown, attached to the leg.

Papillomas that are attached to the body or mucous membrane of the dog with a leathery stalk (see photo) literally dangle, which increases the risk of damage. Ingrown warts are dangerous with a possible transformation into malignant tumor- squamous cell carcinoma. The risk of rebirth 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, if necessary, a biopsy. If the veterinarian diagnoses "by eye" - change the doctor.

How to rid a dog of warts?

After the incubation period, the disease is gaining momentum for 3 months, after which remission is possible. Naturally, the situation cannot be “left by chance”, especially if the oral cavity is affected. There are several effective methods to get rid of warts in dogs.

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