Canine Oral Papilloma Virus: Knowing the Signs and Risks
We often think of puppies as cuddly and adorable creatures. But that little wart-like bump you just noticed on your pup’s lip may not be so cute. Lumps and bumps on dogs are not unusual, but when they occur in young and/or social dogs, our team at Lone Tree Veterinary Medical Center includes Canine Oral Papilloma Virus (COPV) on its list of rule-outs.
What Is Canine Oral Papilloma Virus? (COPV)
Viruses can be versatile and are able to manifest in several ways. One presentation of a virus is changes to the skin in the form of a papilloma, or wart. The Canine Papilloma Virus falls in this category.
COPV (Canine Oral Papilloma Virus) is highly contagious. It most commonly shows up in young puppies and, occasionally, in senior dogs. Why? Because their immune systems drive this susceptibility. These dogs do not have immune systems that are fully developed or robust as those in healthy adult dogs (typically between the ages of 2 and 7). This means they have a harder time fighting off the virus.
While COPV warts are usually benign, they still have a rather ugly appearance. Other characteristics of a COPV wart are as follows:
- Appears as a small jagged bump with a cauliflower-like appearance
- Usually has a crusty, whitish-grey surface
- They may cluster in a group
- Most commonly in or around the mouth, gums, throat, eyes, eyelids, nose, and genital areas
How Dogs Get It
Infected dogs or contaminated objects (bowls, toys) spread COPV. The virus transmits through contact with a mucous membrane or a broken skin surface (scratch, nip, or bite).
Are All Dogs Susceptible?
We tend to see COPV warts in dogs with immature immune systems such as puppies, senior dogs with weakened immune systems, or dogs on immunosuppressive medications. Since this is a social disease, sources of infection are often dog parks, dog daycare groups, shelters, and any other setting where dogs interact.
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you notice a wart-like growth on your dog, it is best to schedule a check-up. If the need arises, we will determine a course of treatment. The veterinarian may also prescribe an antibiotic if the wart shows signs of infection.
In some cases, it is not possible to diagnose a wart by observation alone. Since warts can sometimes become malignant, we may warrant a biopsy when one looks suspicious or persists longer than a couple of months. Likewise, if the wart sits in a painful or bothersome area, we may also recommend cryotherapy (freezing) or surgical removal.
A dog’s overall health dictates its immune response to COPV, regardless of age. Help boost immunity by keeping check-ups current, following your vet’s recommendations (tests, vaccines, oral care), and maintaining your dog’s ideal weight through diet and exercise.
On the upside, a COPV infection is rarely serious. The viral warts often resolve on their own in adult dogs within 2 to 3 months, and as the immune system matures in puppies. It is also noteworthy that this virus is not transmissible to humans.
A Word On Prevention
Since the transmission of viral warts occurs primarily in young dogs with immune systems that are still maturing, it is not always preventable. Regardless of age, dogs with active warts must avoid interaction with other dogs in general, and particularly with young or older immunocompromised dogs, until the warts regress or disappear.
If you see a wart-like growth on your dog, do not hesitate to contact us. Have your veterinarian check the growth early to rule out serious problems.
