Oral Papillomatosis (warts)
General Information
Oral papillomatosis is a contagious disease caused by a virus that produces growths or warts in the mouth and or the tongue, lips, eyelids and nose. The growths appear about one month after the animal contracts the virus. Dogs under 4 years of age are most commonly affected.
Warts are pinkish white and generally quite small, though they may occur in clumps, giving a cauliflower-like appearance. Generally these warts do not affect the animal's health unless their size or location interferes with the animal's ability to eat or breathe.
The disease usually does not recur, and recovered animals are usually immune.
Important Points in Treatment
1. In some cases, the size or location of the warts makes their surgical removal desirable or necessary. The doctor will advise you if surgery is needed.
2. Warts are contagious and your pet should be separated from other dogs until recovery is complete.
3. Give all medication as directed. Call the doctor if you cannot give the medication.
4. If your pet has difficulty eating due to the size, number and location of growths, feed a soft diet. Moisten all food until it is the consistency of cooked cereal.
5. Special instructions:
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:
* Warts appear to be spreading to other parts of the body.
* Your pet refuses or seems unable to eat.
* Your pet's general health worsens.