Canine papillomavirus infection is fairly common in puppies, in which it causes oral papillomas. Found world-wide.
- Initially smooth, pale, or pink, papules, which later develop into larger, irregular, cauliflower-like lesions.
- Usually limited to buccal mucosa and tongue, and occasionally conjunctivae
- Benign and self limiting (usually recover in 1-5 months).
- Sometimes interferes with eating, or associated with halitosis or mild oral haemorrhage.
- Rarely affects the oesophagus or skin around nose and mouth.
Cutaneous papillomas and warts in older dogs may also be caused by a papilloma virus, but virus appears to be different, and not so readily transmissible as that associated papillomas in puppies.