Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Papillomavirus in dogs and cats signs and treatments
By Layne, Elizabeth·Published in The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice·2025·BluePearl Pet Hospital, United States·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Papillomavirus: Clinical Presentations and Treatment Approaches.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A young dog with oral papillomas, which are wart-like growths in the mouth, typically doesn't need treatment as these usually go away on their own. These growths are caused by a virus that spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces. In some cases, if the papillomas are bothersome or don't resolve, treatments like cryosurgery or topical medications can be used. For older dogs, papillomas may indicate a weakened immune system, so further investigation is recommended. Most young dogs will recover without any intervention.
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Abstract
Papillomaviruses (PV) affect dogs and cats. Oral papillomas are common in young dogs and generally do not require treatment because they resolve spontaneously. The virus is spread via direct contact during play, or via indirect contact (from the environment, through fomites). Cutaneous papillomas are less common and less likely to resolve spontaneously. Cryosurgery, COlaser ablation, surgical excision, or topical imiquimod are options for bothersome or nonregressing papillomas. Papillomas in older dogs occur due to systemic immunosuppression and diagnostic investigation is warranted. Cutaneous or oral papillomas in cats are uncommon and feline PV are associated with certain skin neoplasms.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39734106/