Papillomas in Dogs and Cats
📝 Summary
Papillomas are benign, virus-related warts that are common epidermal tumors of dogs and rare in cats, appearing as cauliflower-like growths that may bleed. Many regress untreated, while persistent ones are removed surgically or by freezing.
1 Symptoms
Papillomas have a broad base or stalk and a cauliflower-like surface; once large they are easily injured and may bleed. In dogs they commonly appear in the mouth, on the head, eyelids, digits, and genital region.
The surface is covered by epithelial cells that do not invade the underlying skin. Non-contagious papillomas in dogs show no sex preference and are more common in older dogs.
2 Causes and Transmission
Papillomas are caused by papillomavirus and are usually benign. The common non-contagious skin form arises spontaneously, while the contagious venereal form spreads between dogs through contact.
Cats are rarely affected. Most cases are not linked to any transmissible outbreak in a household.
3 Diagnosis
A veterinarian recognizes the typical warty growth and may take a small biopsy to confirm the type and rule out other tumors.
Because the appearance is distinctive, diagnosis is often straightforward, but microscopy settles uncertain cases.
4 Treatment
Many papillomas shrink and disappear on their own within one to two months and need no treatment. Single growing tumors are removed surgically, and freezing or electrical burning are alternatives.
Follow-up anti-cancer medication may be used if a removed tumor returns. Protecting the healing site from licking prevents infection.
5 Prevention
For the contagious venereal form, avoiding contact with affected dogs limits spread. Most skin papillomas cannot be specifically prevented.
Watching for new warts and having them checked early avoids complications from bleeding or ulceration.
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