Wart Virus In Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost

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Wart Virus in DogsWritten By hannah hollingerPublished: 01/15/2016Updated: 05/07/2021Veterinary reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon, MVB MRCVSWhat are Wart Virus?Canine warts are fairly common in young socialized dogs and in multi-dog families. Similar to warts in humans, they are caused by a viral infection. They are highly contagious to other dogs, but the virus cannot be transmitted to humans or other pets. While not normally a risk to your dogs overall health, they can lead to other complications and discomfort. All dogs showing symptoms of canine warts should be evaluated by a veterinarian and quarantined from other susceptible dogs until the virus has run its course. Canine warts are skin and mucous membrane eruptions caused by a virus, known as papillomavirus. While visually alarming, they are generally harmless to your dog’s overall health. Puppies will be affected around the "t" of the face (mouth, eyes) and older dogs will even encounter it on the tongue. There have been instances where different forms of skin cancer have developed due to the progression of the papillomatosis, although this is rare.Youtube PlayWart Virus Average CostFrom 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000Average Cost$850Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.

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Symptoms of Wart Virus in Dogs

• Warts are most commonly seen in the mouth, nose or eyes, but skin warts can show up around the footpads, legs or groin area.
• They start as a rough patch of pink-to-white skin, and as they develop they may become darker and lumpy, resembling cauliflower.
• Your dog may only have one wart, or they may occur as an eruption of multiple warts.

Types

• The most common canine wart, Canine Papilloma Virus (CPV), is benign and cannot be transmitted to humans or other non-canine animals. This is the type seen most often in the mucous membranes of younger dogs.
• Skin warts occur more often on the abdomen of older dogs. They are slower-growing than CPV and while most often benign can, in rare cases, develop into cancer.

Causes of Wart Virus in DogsCanine warts are caused by a viral infection only communicable with other dogs. The virus is transmitted via direct dog-to-dog contact or sharing common items such as food and water bowls, toys, bedding, or grooming tools. Since the virus has an incubation period of up to 2 months, once you see physical signs of infection, other dogs in your family or social group have already been exposed for some time.Diagnosis of Wart Virus in DogsYou should isolate your dog and seek veterinary advice as soon as you suspect a canine wart infection. To assure a correct diagnosis, the veterinarian will do a thorough physical examination, and get a recent health and activity history. They will do an oral exam to be sure the warts are not impeding your dog’s ability to breathe or eat. If the diagnosis is uncertain, your veterinarian may want to take a fine needle aspirate or biopsy of the wart(s) to examine under a microscope. If there is clear evidence that the papillomatosis has visibly changed the underlying skin or cellular structure, the veterinarian may request the help of a specialist. Consulting a pathologist will help the doctor determine if dangerous viral antibodies are present within the lesions. In this event, the veterinarian will avoid popping warts, which they may choose to do to release the virus into the blood stream to expedite the body's natural removal process.Treatment of Wart Virus in DogsIf the warts are not affecting your dogs’ ability to eat, breathe or see, the most common treatment is no treatment at all. This is referred to as “benign neglect”, or just letting the virus run its course. Over time, the dogs’ immune system will strengthen and kill the virus on its own, and the warts will simply fall off. In some cases the vet will choose to squeeze the warts themselves, releasing the virus into the blood stream in an effort to speed up the immune response. It can take anywhere from 1 to 6 months for a full recovery, and during this time, the dog will have to be quarantined from any other susceptible dogs. The good news is, once a dog has healed from a CPV infection, they will carry immunity from the disease for the rest of their life and cannot be re-infected. If the warts are so numerous or in a position where they are causing the dog quality-of-life issues, the veterinarian may choose to remove them surgically or by freezing them off. This will be done under with either a local or general anesthetic, depending on the location of the eruption. This is rarely necessary. In some cases, the warts can get irritated and become infected. You veterinarian will prescribe an antibiotic and/or medicated wash to deal with the secondary infection, but this will not diminish the virus that causes the warts themselves.

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Recovery of Wart Virus in DogsDuring the time of “benign neglect,” you’ll want to watch your dog closely for any further signs of irritation or difficulty swallowing or breathing. If you notice this happening, you’ll want to schedule a follow-up visit with your veterinarian to discuss additional treatment options. Once the warts have completely disappeared, you should wait 2 more months before allowing your dog open contact with other dogs. After the incubation period of 2 months has passed with no new warts, your dog is assumed to be free of the virus, and now has immunity from contracting canine warts for the rest of their life.Wart Virus Average CostFrom 367 quotes ranging from $500 - $2,000Average Cost$850Protect yourself and your pet. Compare top pet insurance plans.TopWart Virus Questions and Advice from Veterinary ProfessionalsShepherdOne Year

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My pet has the following symptoms:White dots on lip and inside gum. Only two of them thoughDec. 30, 2020Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM19 RecommendationsHello, these look like small pimples. If they start to get bigger it would be best for your vet to look at these.Dec. 30, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

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American BullySix Years

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My pet has the following symptoms:ItchingIve noticed some wart like bumps around his tail area and he is constantly itching and rubbing. He is the only dog i have and he is not around other dogs. He is an inside dog only goes outside to use the bathroom or for walks or when im outside. What could this be?Oct. 8, 2020Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM0 RecommendationsThank you for your question. It is difficult to say without being able to see the lumps, but bacterial infections and folliculitis can cause those signs, as can some parasites. The picture that you sent shows a lump that would surprise me if it were itchy, and I'm not sure that the two are related? If it does not seem to be getting better, it would be a good idea to have him seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine him and see what might be going on so that they can get treatment for him. I hope that all goes well for him!Oct. 8, 2020Was this question and answer helpful?

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