What is Canine Papilloma Virus
Canine Papilloma Virus (CPV) causes small, generally harmless growths or warts called papillomas in dogs. These growths are specific to dogs and can be spread through direct contact, contaminated objects, and possibly by insects.
CPV presents in three ways
Oral Papilloma Virus (CPV-1): common in young dogs, affecting the mouth area.
Canine Mucous Membrane Papillomatosis: rapidly growing growths in the lips, mouth, and eyes of young dogs.
Cutaneous Papillomas and Cutaneous Inverted Papillomas: single growths in older dogs or young adults, respectively.
Written by Dr. Mariella Roberts, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published May 2025 | Review date May 2027 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet
Symptoms of Papillomas
Cauliflower-like growths on the skin, often in clusters
Dirt or brown wax may collect around the wart
Discharge, redness, and pain if infected
Difficulty eating or walking if warts interfere with normal behaviour
When to contact your vet
If you notice any new or changing growths on your dog's skin.
If warts are numerous, large, or in a location that causes your dog discomfort or interferes with their ability to eat or walk.
If warts are bleeding, becoming infected, or showing signs of inflammation.
If warts persist for longer than a couple of months.
If you notice any lump on your dog's eyelid, as eyelid warts can be more serious.
Diagnosis of Canine Papilloma Virus
Physical exam: Your vet will visually examine the dog's skin and mouth, looking for wart-like growths. These growths can be pink, pinkish-red, or pale and have a cauliflower-like or cobblestone appearance. They may be in clusters, or individual.
Fine needle aspiration (FNA): If the diagnosis is uncertain, your vet may perform an FNA. This involves using a small needle to collect cells from the wart or tumour for microscopic examination.
Biopsy: If the FNA results are unclear, or if the growth's appearance is not typical, a biopsy might be recommended. This involves surgically removing a small piece of tissue, or the entire wart, for microscopic examination.
Treatment of Canine Papilloma Virus
Spontaneous resolution: Most papillomas regress on their own within 1-5 months as the dog's immune system develops immunity to the virus. For young dogs, this is the expected course of events.
When treatment may be needed
Large or numerous warts
Infected warts
Persistent warts
Immunocompromised dogs
Treatment types
Surgical removal: Warts can be surgically removed with a scalpel, laser, or electrocautery.
Cryosurgery (freezing): Intense cold is used to destroy the wart tissue.
Topical medications: may be used in some cases to boost the immune response.
Antiviral medication: has been used in severe cases, but results can be mixed and it's costly.
Prevention of warts on dogs
Preventing canine papillomas, or warts, primarily involves limiting exposure to infected dogs and boosting your dog's immune system. While no vaccine exists, measures like avoiding contact with dogs exhibiting warts and ensuring a healthy immune system through appropriate care can help reduce the risk.
Outlook
The outlook for papillomas in dogs is generally positive, especially for young dogs. The tumours often disappear spontaneously as the dog's immune system matures, typically within 1-2 months. While surgical removal is sometimes needed for severe cases, persistent growths, or growths causing issues like bleeding or infection, it's often not necessary.