Papillomas in dogs are usually caused by the Canine papillomavirus-1. These skin growths (often called warts) are commonly found in the mouth or on the lips and are characterized by a frond like structure measuring 1-5 mm in diameter.
Papillomas are most common in young dogs with developing immune systems. The virus is transmitted by direct contact where it can invade the skin through a small abrasion. The development of a cauliflower like skin lesion develops 1-2 months after exposure, but typically resolves without any treatment in 6-8 weeks as the dog’s immune system mounts an immune response. However, dogs receiving immunosuppressive therapy may have more difficulty resolving a Canine papillomavirus infection.
Infected dogs should be isolated from others until the lesions resolve as they are infectious and can transmit the virus to other dogs (but not to people or other species).
Less commonly, papillomas can develop on the skin around the eye, over the body and even on foot pads. Papillomas that are not near the mouth can have more variable features and therefore be more difficult to diagnose without biopsy. For example, they may appear as a single nodule, lumpy rash, or dark and scaly.
Although these skin growths are commonly diagnosed upon visualization, definitive diagnosis can be obtained via surgical removal and histopathology. This is recommended for skin growths that have a less typical appearance or do not resolve on their own in 3 months.
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