The Three Main Types Of Dog Warts

1. Viral Warts

This type of wart is caused by a papilloma virus. Papilloma viruses can cause warts, especially in dogs. Viral warts are usually not life-threatening, except when they occur in the throat (as this can inhibit breathing). Viral warts usually clear up on their own, and are most frequently seen in younger dogs.

2. Sebaceous Adenomas

Sebaceous Adenomas are the most common type of wart to affect dogs. A Sebaceous Adenoma is classified as a benign tumor of the sebaceous glands inside skin tissue. These warts are usually pink in color, and can grow to be quite prominent. This is caused by the tumor tissue filling with secretions from the sebaceous gland, which causes the wart to increase in size. Sebaceous Adenomas will not clear up over time, and can only be treated by complete removal.

3. Melibomium Gland Adenomas

A Melibomium Gland Adenoma is a type of wart that is usually present around the eyes (also called an "eyelid wart"). This type of wart is caused by small tumors that manifest inside glands around the edge of the eye area. As the tumor grows, it becomes visible, causing the characteristic "bump" that eventually becomes noticeable.
While not initially dangerous, Melibomium Gland Adenomas can increase in size to eventually cause irritation in the eye area. To completely remove this type of wart, the "root" of the wart needs to be removed as well, which should only be done by a veterinary surgeon.

The Difference Between Warts And Papillomas

Warts are considered to be a singular form of the papilloma virus. Most papilloma warts occur in puppies or young dogs, before the immune system is fully developed. They can also occur in older dogs, especially if their immune system has been weakened by disease.

Papillomas are different in appearance from most other warts, especially when present in the mouth. Papillomas are typically round, but have a rough exterior, sometimes resembling a cauliflower stalk in texture. They can look quite worrying, however, most of these warts disappear as a dog's immune system matures, and is better able to control the virus.

The papilloma virus nearly always causes warts, however, not all warts are caused by the papilloma virus. This is only one type of the three most common types of warts that affect canines. Papilloma warts usually clear up on their own, while other types of warts require surgical removal. Also, papilloma warts can be contagious, since they are caused by the papilloma virus.

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