Canine eye warts can be moderately to very uncomfortable for your pet. This viral infection can cause sores on the eyelids, the mouth, the throat, and even between the toes. Before you can identify and treat canine eye warts, it is important to understand the different types of canine warts and their appearance.
What are Canine Eye Warts?
A canine eye wart is the singular form of papillomas. These papillomas appear on an isolated area of the body. Papillomas are viral in nature and most clear up on their own after a few months. In some cases, however, the growths can become slightly severe, especially if they are in the throat. This can cause difficulty breathing and eating.
What do Canine Eye Warts Look Like?
Canine eye warts or papillomas can occur as one single wart or a clump. Some are small, skin colored growths that resemble a mushroom or a tiny finger. Others have this same appearance, but they might be larger in size. Small, skin colored warts are benign and they are not a cause for any major concern. The larger warts of the same variety might be more serious. Have your vet provide a diagnosis and, if necessary, have the wart removed.
A black wart that may be growing on the dog's eyelid cold be malignant melanoma. This is a potentially fatal skin cancer. If you see one or more black warts on your dog's eyelid, take him to see a vet immediately.
How Can I Identify Canine Eye Warts?
Canine eye warts are fairly easy to identify by sight and touch. To identify canine eye warts you should:
1. Compare the characteristics of the growth to the descriptions listed above 2. Examine the area to see if the growths are on the surface of the eye and on the eyelids 3. Look closely to see if there is only one growth or a cluster 4. Check the shape (most are round) 5. Examine the surface: most warts have a jagged surface that feels like a cauliflower
How Can I get Rid of Canine Eye Warts?
While some eye warts will go away on their own and others won't require removal at all, some will require antibiotics or complete removal. If canine eye warts are severe and interfering with normal eye function, they can be surgically removed or frozen off.