Canine Papilloma Virus?

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

I have a 19 month old female goldendoodle. This morning, as she lay her head on my lap enjoying her before-work snuggle, i found an oral lesion. I have never noticed this before and while it doesn't seem to bother her, i was freaking out a bit. While i'm not a vet, I do practice medicine for a living and believe that the lesions may be canine oral papilloma virus...similar to the HPV (human papilloma virus) which causes warts in humans. The lesion is on her upper right lip, is freely mobile and has finger-like projections from it. It's red and the tips are slightly pinker-whiter. there is then a smaller more round, but smoother lesion almost adjacent to it. There's no pus or fluid able to be expressed from it. I did a little bit of research on the internet thought maybe it could be COPV. I have an appointment with her vet tomorrow. Does anyone have any experience with this? From what I read, dogs that go to the dog-park, doggie day-care, and are younger tend to be more prone to catching this as it's a dog-to-dog transmission. I'd appreciate any input anyone may have!!

Thanks,
Becky and Savannah

[Denise, Winnie, and AngelAbby]

That being the case, it's best then not to let your dog play with other dogs toys while at the dog park? Or share water?

[Mommy2Max]

I have no experience with this but, please keep us updated.

HUGS to Savannah!

[Holly St Pierre]

I too have no experience or knowledge of it, but please let us know what the vet says. Which vet do you go to here locally?

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Holly, I go to Dr. London's Office. We have had good experiences so far. We either see Dr. London himself or Dr. Greenberg.

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Who do you use???

[Noble Vestal Labradoodles]

Yes, it can be spread between dogs and just a general sniff sniff can pass it if they actually touch while sniffing.

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Vannah was at the vet tonight. He wasn't entirely sure what it was; thinks it may be viral but not necessarily the canine papilloma virus. He said the lesions are not classic for it. He recommended excisional biopsy to determine exactly what they are. We are scheduled for first thing monday morning. He said he doesn't think it's anything bad, but i'm still worried. I'm sure all of you can relate as our doodles are our babies. Please keep my vanny girl in your prayers :)

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Update for Savannah: Last monday we were scheduled to have savannah's oral lesions excised, but when I dropped her off for surgery that morning the vet called me before taking her to the OR and told me that we weren't going to do them because the lesions had decreased at least 50%. He recommended that we watch and wait and if they came back, got bigger, or more weird looking then we could reschedule surgery immediately. Well, i've been watching her all week and they are at least 1/8th the size of what they were. they are very flat, smooth, and almost entirely gone! the doc said he thinks it probably was a viral issue and that to watch and wait, but that she'd be fine. I am so relieved. No surgery and no dire diagonosis! thanks to all that were concerned, but it looks as if she's going to be ok! needless to say she's out of daycare and dogpark indefinitely as that's probably where she picked something up.

[Diane and Alma]

We just found out that our dog has this virus. I am trying to get more information about it. Did your dog have any more growths? How long did you keep her away from other dogs?

[Becky, Savannah, & Raleigh]

Hi,
Fortunately, Vannah has not had any of the lesions return. I am not 100% sure that she had the Canine Papilloma virus, even my vet did not know for sure...however he was convinced it was viral and her immune system resolved it on it's own. Thank goodness!!

Savannah does go to doggie day care every week, so i kept her out of daycare for at least 4-6 weeks. I probably could have let her go back sooner, but i opted for waiting a little longer based on some of the things I had read on the internet. I made sure she wasn't drinking out of any bowls other than her own and i tried to keep her away from our neighbor's dog as much as possible (which was really hard as they are BFFs) I also avoided the dog park for months (for other reasons as well, other than her virus).

I hope that this helps! hope your dog gets better soon! keep us posted

[Diane and Alma]

Thanks for the reply. We did a biopsy on the one that they removed (on her eyelid) and they confirmed she has this virus. We are now checking her daily for others. We were also told how contageous they are and I would hate to spread it to another dog. I'm glad that Savannah didn't have any more.