Symptoms of Warts in Dogs
Dog Breeds
Symptoms of dogs warts (fibropapillomas or papillomas) are typically seen by owners as raised bumps or lumps around their dog’s mouth or on the lower limb extremities.
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Introduction
Canine warts (fibropapillomas or papillomas) are typically seen by owners as raised bumps or lumps around their dog’s mouth or on the lower limb extremities. They may or may not bleed or be irritated by scratching or chewing.
Symptoms of the Disorder
Canine papillomas can appear anywhere on a dog’s body and usually look like tiny cauliflowers, but occasionally they are smooth. Older dogs tend to develop isolated warts, commonly on the feet, around the toes and footpads and on the under-belly. These warts can start and stay small, or they can increase in size. Young dogs usually develop warts in clusters, often inside the mouth, around the eyes or elsewhere on the face or genitalia. Puppies are especially prone to developing warts, because they have naïve immune systems and commonly lick and romp rambunctiously with other dogs.
Warts are painless and generally do not require treatment for medical reasons. They can be removed for cosmetic reasons, or if they cause the dog discernable discomfort (such as lameness when they are between the toes or affecting the footpads, or when they interfere with vision or eating). While warts are usually harmless, they can bleed and become ulcerated, infected and painful if scratched or chewed. Uncommonly, they transform to malignant squamous cell carcinoma. Canine warts often regress spontaneously within one year.
Dogs at Increased Risk
Young dogs and dogs with compromised immune systems – especially those with damaged skin or mucous membranes - are predisposed to developing papillomas. Cutaneous papillomas are more common in intact males, probably because of their tendency to be aggressive and to engage in physical confrontations with other dogs. Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, Miniature Schnauzers and Kerry Blue Terriers tend to develop warts more frequently than do other breeds.
Types of Warts
Overview and Facts