Viral Papillomas in Dogs: Vet’s 2025 Guide by Dr Duncan Houston 🐶🧬
In this article
Viral Papillomas in Dogs: Vet’s 2025 Guide 🐶🧬
By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc – Ask A Vet Blog
🔍 What Are Viral Papillomas?
Viral papillomas—often referred to as “dog warts”—are benign skin tumors caused by the canine papillomavirus (CPV). These growths most commonly affect young dogs under age 2, especially around the lips, muzzle, and eyes 🐾.
Although commonly mistaken for ordinary skin warts, viral papillomas have distinct characteristics, and should not be diagnosed based on appearance alone. Inappropriate diagnosis could delay necessary treatment, especially in older dogs where other skin tumors must be ruled out.
👁️ What Do Papillomas Look Like?
Classic oral papillomas caused by CPV1 are:
- 🟤 Cauliflower-shaped or sea-anemone-like
- 📍 Usually clustered on lips, gums, muzzle, or eyelids
- 🧪 Sometimes appear between toes or on eye surface
In some cases, papillomas may be smooth or appear in solitary form, requiring biopsy to confirm diagnosis 🧬.
🧫 How is the Virus Spread?
- 🦠 Spread through direct contact with an infected dog or shared surfaces (toys, bowls, bedding)
- 📉 Only infects damaged or immature skin—healthy skin resists infection
- 🕒 Incubation period is typically 1–2 months
- 🧑⚕️ Not transmissible to humans or other species
Puppies and immunocompromised dogs (e.g., those on cyclosporine) are most at risk 🐶.
📋 Are Papillomas Dangerous?
Usually not. Most cases are self-limiting and resolve within 1–2 months as the immune system matures. However, treatment may be necessary if:
- 🍽️ The papillomas interfere with eating or swallowing
- 🩸 Secondary bacterial infections occur
- ⏱️ The lesions persist beyond 3 months
- 🔬 The growth does not look classic (biopsy needed)
🧪 Diagnosis & When to Biopsy
Veterinarians usually diagnose based on age, appearance, and location. Biopsy is recommended when:
- 🐶 The dog is older
- 📍 Growths appear in atypical locations (foot pads, abdomen)
- 📉 Lesions persist beyond expected duration
- 🔍 The appearance is not characteristic
💊 Treatment Options (2025)
1. Do Nothing (Watchful Waiting)
In most cases, papillomas resolve naturally within 1–2 months as the dog develops immunity 🕒.
2. Cryotherapy or Surgical Removal
- Used for severe, bleeding, or painful lesions
- May be required if papillomas interfere with eating
3. Crushing the Papillomas
This stimulates a localized immune response. Only a few growths are crushed to encourage systemic regression. This is a simple and cost-effective approach 💥.
4. Topical Imiquimod
- Immune-response modifier applied to affected areas
- Redness/irritation is common—usually a sign it’s working
5. Azithromycin Therapy
- 10-day oral antibiotic course
- Some studies show lesion resolution within 15 days
- Mixed results, but often used due to availability and low cost
6. Interferon (Human or Canine)
- Antiviral protein therapy given by injection
- Used for severe or persistent cases
- Costly and results vary
7. Custom Autogenous Vaccines
- Prepared from crushed papillomas of the patient
- Stimulates dog’s immune system directly
- Custom-made by specialty labs (e.g., Torigen.com)
🧬 Other Types of Canine Papillomas
Cutaneous Inverted Papillomas
- Caused by CPV2 or related viruses
- Appear on the abdomen or between toes
- May have a central pore or present as small nodules
Pigmented Plaques
- Seen mainly in pugs and Miniature Schnauzers
- Scaly, pigmented, flat growths on the abdomen
- Do not usually regress and may become cancerous
Digital Papillomas
- Occur on foot pads and between toes
- Painful and can become malignant
📆 Monitoring at Home
- 🧼 Keep lesions clean and dry
- 🧴 Apply topical meds only if directed by your vet
- 📷 Take weekly photos to track changes
- 📅 If growths persist beyond 3 months, revisit your vet
📲 Ask A Vet Support
Concerned about a lump or skin growth on your dog? Download the Ask A Vet app to send photos, get instant advice, and track papilloma progression with expert veterinary support 🐕📱.
