Puppy Papillomas

If your dog frequents doggie day care or other canine social events, your pooch may be exposed to viral warts.  A popular pet insurance company reports in 2007, 22% of their canine infectious claims were due to the canine Papilloma Virus (PV).  The pink, cauliflower like warts appear in the mouth of young dogs, usually 2 years or less.  Less commonly, the warts can be found on eyelids or between toes.  Transmission occurs from direct contact with a wart or the virus in the environment; humans and other pets are not at risk for the canine Papilloma Virus.

PV incubates 1-2 months before warts appear.   1-5 months later, warts will go away as the dog’s immune system matures.  During this time, papillomas can sometimes become infected, cause halitosis, bleeding or discomfort in the mouth.  At Northstar Animal Care and Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital, we can diagnose your pet’s new found lump, bump or wart.  Papillomas can be removed by laser at our Northstar facility and Interferon treatments are available at either clinic.  Interferon is a natural protein produced by immune system cells in response to viruses, parasites and tumor cells.  A few small doses of injectable Interferon once a week following wart removal, has proven useful in quick regression of PV and suppressed recurrence.  Call Northstar at 488.4121 or Upper Arlington at 481.8014 to schedule an appointment or to ask a medical staff member questions about the canine Papilloma Virus!

PS The Canine Papilloma Virus can survive over 60 days at 40ºF but only lasts 6 hours at 98ºF.