small warts around the mouth??

[lisa_lou]

hello, my mums 14.2 16yr old cob has developed lots of small wart type growths around her mouth - round the lip line and in corners where the bit lies, she only got a few to start with but now has quite alot although a few on the nose area near the nostrils have gone with no treatment.
The mare is a bit of a nutcase and not ridden but is handled in a chiffney bit as a bit of a fruit loop and the warts near the bit area look very sore and aggiatated. She is perfectly normal in herself - just wondered if anyone had experienced anything like this before i fork out 4 a vets diagnosis?

 

[Sam22]

They're warts caused by the Papilloma virus. Usually seen in 3/4/5yr olds because most older horses have been exposed and developed immunity. Your horse must have led a sheltered life to get them at 15! My 5yr old had them and they were all gone after about 6months from what I can remember. They resolve on their own spontaneously. You have to be carefull not to make them bleed because this can help them spred so avoid using a bit that damages them until they are gone. Putting lotions and potions can also help them spread - remember its viral so no point trying to use anything antibacterial.

 

[Holly831]

Ditto the above, my foals and yearlings tend to get them but they go on there own after 4 to 6 months. I only apply anything if they are knocked off and are bleeding and then just a topical ointment on the very small area not all over them.

They can look unsightly but don't usually cause any long lasting damage!

 

[Kallibear]

Yep, my 3yr olds' got them. Horrible things, ruining his pretty looks, but they don't bother him and I know they'll be gone eventually.

Do get them checked out by the vet though.

 

[Toast]

My rising 2yo has had them.. theyve only just fallen off in the past few days but theyre ugly little things arent they!
Hopefully your horses will fall off too!
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