Content
- Canine papillomatosis: what is it?
- Canine Papillomatosis: Symptoms
- Canine papillomatosis: diagnosis
- Canine Papillomatosis: Treatment
- Canine Papillomatosis: Photos
Dermatological problems are very common in the veterinary clinic and are always a concern for tutors. Canine papillomatosis is a dermatological problem that causes the appearance of generally benign warts on the skin and mucous membranes of dogs. Despite being something that any tutor can easily identify visually or when he is petting his animal, not everyone goes to the veterinarian early for information.
If you've noticed one or more warts on your dog's body and don't know what it might be, continue reading this PeritoAnimal article to learn more about canine papillomatosis: what it is and how to treat.
Canine papillomatosis: what is it?
Papillomatosis is a viral infectious disease caused by a papillomavirus. This disease causes skin tumors, in most cases, benign. It usually occurs in dogs and is very rare in cats.
It can be transmitted by direct contact between infected dogs or by indirect contact, through saliva or blood. Simply sharing the same toy, feeder or drinking fountain is enough for contagion. If you've ever wondered if the Canine papillomatosis is contagious to humans, the answer is no. This disease is species-specific, that is, only dogs can contract the canine papillomavirus, not affecting humans, cats or other animal species.
The incubation period can vary between one to two months, and an animal can have the virus in its body and the virus only manifests itself after this incubation period. Despite having no race or gender predisposition, this virus takes advantage of animals with the weaker immune system such as puppies, elderly dogs or animals immunocompromised by other diseases.
Canine Papillomatosis: Symptoms
Papillomas are cutaneous structures, also called warts, similar to a cauliflower. They usually feature:
- Consistency usually lasts;
- Irregular shape;
- Rough surface;
- Variable color (from grey, to pink or black);
- Localized or mufocal;
- Variable size.
They usually appear in the oral mucosa andpharynxandskin (face, lips, eyelids, interdigital space and digital pads are the most common skin sites).
If located in the mouth can cause, depending on their number and location:
- Halitosis (bad breath);
- Hypersialia (excessive salivation);
- Ache;
- Ulcers;
- Bleeding;
- Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing/swallowing);
- Partial or complete obstruction of the pharynx.
If located near the eyes and eyelids, they can:
- Affect visual acuity;
- Cause blepharospasm (constant blinking);
- Causes pain;
- Cause conjunctivitis.
Canine papillomatosis: diagnosis
Generally, with a good history together with the physical examination and observation of the appearance of the warts, the veterinarian's main suspicion is papillomatosis. The very appearance of the wart already places canine papillomatosis at the top of the list of differential diagnoses.
However, the definitive diagnosis it is only possible by collecting a sample through the biopsy technique (incisional or excisional) followed by histopathological analysis or PCR.
Canine Papillomatosis: Treatment
As a rule, the treatment is not indicated, since, in most cases, many papillomas regress spontaneously between four to six months after the infection, and may last up to twelve months before regressing.
If these structures infect, ulcerate or if it is observed that there is a loss of quality of life due to impaired vision or swallowing and feeding, the surgical removal is indicated as a treatment. Some tutors, for aesthetic reasons, may also opt for the surgical removal of these warts.
THE cryotherapy, cold removal, or the electrocautery they can also be used to remove papillomas, but they are still techniques that not all veterinarians have access to.
THE immunotherapy, that is, a vaccine that had the papilloma itself, is used to stimulate the animal's body to create defenses against this virus. It is important that the animal has a strong immune system, otherwise it can cause the adverse effect and the animal develop even more papillomas or other more serious problems.
There are other drugs that are being used for these cases: azithromycin, interferon and imiquimod, however not all veterinarians claim to be effective. When it comes to something evil, the chemotherapy may be an option.
If you ask yourself if the disease canine papillomatosis has home treatment, unfortunately the answer is NOT. There is no home remedy to remove dog warts, however you can apply some Castor oil to reduce irritation, if any.
Canine Papillomatosis: Photos
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Canine papillomatosis: what it is and how to treat it, we recommend that you enter our Skin Problems section.