Expert: Delores Beck - 3/1/2011

Question
HiDelores,
y 12 year old spaniel has wart like growths on his skin.There is one growth below his tail that is an inch long and growing.It is reddish in color.Our vet said he has skin tumours that if removed may start multiplying.He is now on some oral medication-Nizraltablets-Ketoconazole and a vitamin suplement with Omega3 additives.My vet says we could try very light chemo in a few weeks.Really worried.What would you suggest?Thanks,Rekha.

Answer
It sounds to me like he has papilloma "warts".  Has your vet had these analyzed?  I have no idea why on earth he'd be talking about chemo and I'd most definitely get a second opinion.

Ketoconazole is a med usually used for yeast infections.  Other than the growths, how is his skin?  How is his health in general?

If this were my dog I'd be seeing a Dermatologist or at least get another opinion and I certainly wouldn't be considering chemo under the circumstances.

Do a search on "Papilloma warts on dogs" and read up.  These are relatively harmless and if they get large, most certainly can be removed.