Do dogs get cold sores?

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I tried searching for a topic on this, but couldn't find one.  Update:  thx to Karen, found one and it seems it could be a viral growth.  I am taking her to the vet this afternoon at 5pm because:

 

Peri was smiling this morning and noticed that when her bottom lip parted, she has a small white mark on her lip.  You can't see it when her lips are closed.  It is like a little pinhead size bump...like a cold sore on a human.  But white and raised.  Even like a pimple.  Doesn't seem to bother her - has anyone else seen anything like this on their dood?  Before I flip out and take her to the vet, DH told me "why don't you go on that doodle website and ask about this".  HA!

 

Any advise is greatly appreciated.

Update: It is viral papalloma. $48 vet visit told me that there is nothing to worry about and it is almost a "rite of passage" and puppies in daycare frequently get them but they will go away. Taquito should be fine since he is older. No medicine, nothing!
And she weighs a wopping 24 pounds now. Wow.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

There have been a few doodles here lately with viral papillomas on their lips; I'm not sure if this is the same thing. Here's a recent discussion about it.
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/should-i-be-concerned-about-a

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thanks Karen...I remember reading this and my search didn't pull it up. I will probably take her in.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I think that's a good idea Allyson. And I hope it's nothing.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

We have an appointment at 5pm. I will reply back to this discussion to let you now.

Thanks Karen! I hate this crap.

[Laura & Chewie]

Will look for your update hoping it's absolutely nothing to worry about.

[Miranda]

Cali had papillomas on her gums in March after she got spayed. She explained Cali's immune system was lower due to the surgery and that a lot of dogs carry the virus. She said that the virus was doormant before and that the bumps should go away on their own in a few weeks. She hasn't had them since. Good luck!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Thanks Miranda. I am not too, too concerned because Peri seems as healthy as ever. But I would rather be safe than sorry!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree- it's a good idea to have it checked. Even if it is just a virus that goes away on its own, they can be very contagious. And this is on the lip, not the gums.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Okay - I just looked at some seriously disgusting photos at an online vet and I would be willing to bet it is the papilloma. Am still going to the doctor so they can hopefully confirm and give us something to speed up Peri's treatment.

They say is is common in dogs under 2...and looks like cauliflower...that is the perfect description of Peri's lip. Poor thing will probably not be going to daycare for a while.

[F, Calla & Luca]

These lesions are not cold sores , which in humans are cause by a herpes virus. Papilloma viruses occur in people too and are probably responsible for most cervical cancer. I don't think these papilloma viruses spread between species but they are contagious between dogs.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I know they can't spread between dog and human.

I didn't really mean cold sore - just wondering what the heck it is. Will know soon.

[HEIDI AND BOB "RILEY"]

Hi Allison,
We had an episode of this with Riley. It was a Papilloma virus, I had to keep him away from other dogs, and the cats until they disappeared....which was about 4 weeks. The vet thought it would take longer. He was fine, not sluggish or sick...just had a few bumps on his lips and in the corners of his mouth. I read up on this and once they get it, they won't get it again, but while the bumps are there it is very contagious to other dogs. They can pick this virus up at day care, drinking out of an infected water bowl, and it usually does not appear until 4 or more weeks exposure to the virus. Anyway, let me know what you vet says. Take Care,
Heidi