Papillomavirus: Clinical Presentations and Treatment Approaches

Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2025 Mar;55(2):213-224. doi: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2024.11.007. Epub 2024 Dec 28.

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, CO2 laser 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.

Keywords: Cat; Dog; Papilloma; Papillomavirus; Wart.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Cat Diseases* / therapy
  • Cat Diseases* / virology
  • Cats
  • Dog Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Dog Diseases* / therapy
  • Dog Diseases* / virology
  • Dogs
  • Papilloma* / therapy
  • Papilloma* / veterinary
  • Papilloma* / virology
  • Papillomaviridae
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / diagnosis
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / therapy
  • Papillomavirus Infections* / veterinary
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / veterinary
  • Skin Neoplasms / virology