What is Lipoma?
Though a fatty tissue tumor is typically a mainly cosmetic issue, difficulties can arise for your pet if the tumor is located in an area of the throat (which can impede breathing). If a lipoma on a limb grows to be very large, this can cause discomfort for your dog as well, as he may find it difficult to get comfortable when walking or lying down. Tumors of fat (adipose tissue) tend to be found most often in female dogs that are overweight though any dog can be affected.
A benign fatty tissue tumor is also known as a lipoma. Fat cells form between the layers of the muscles and skin. Found in many locations on the canine body, lipomas are slow growing and a very common occurrence in dogs.Lipoma Average Cost
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Average Cost
$800
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Symptoms of Lipoma in Dogs
The usual adipose tissue tumor will be found by you as the owner, when petting your dog, or during a routine check up at the veterinary clinic. Of course, as this type of tumor can become very large, you may see it appear before you are even aware that it has been growing.
- These tumors are usually soft and smooth, often feeling rubbery
- They can usually move freely under the skin when touched
- Merging with local healthy tissue is common
- This benign mass is often round or oval, and well defined
- If the tumor moves into muscle, there can be swelling
- They are regularly seen on the neck, chest, trunk and legs but can also be found in other locations like the tongue
- Rarely, this type of tumor will appear behind the eye, in the abdomen, or around the head (causing serious secondary effects)
Types
Fatty tissue tumors are classified in two ways. Both types do not customarily mutate into malignant masses, but either form can be removed in order to maintain the health and safety of your beloved canine family member. Discuss with your vet if removal would be appropriate for your dog.
- Non-infiltrative
- These lipomas are easily removed
- Recurrence is not common
- Infiltrative
- This tumor has extended itself into adjacent muscle and tissue
- Recurrence happens frequently
It should be noted that a malignant lipoma (liposarcoma) is rare, but can happen.
Causes of Lipoma in Dogs
In many cases, the exact known cause of the adipose tumor is not evident. There are some factors thought to be a cause for benign fatty tissue tumors.
- Hormones
- Sun exposure on the skin
- Chemical exposure in the environment
- It could be the beginning of a malignancy
- Viruses
- Genetics
- Predisposition has been documented in the following Breeds: Shetland Sheepdogs, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Weimaraners, Miniature Schnauzers, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and mixed breeds
Diagnosis of Lipoma in Dogs
When you bring your canine companion to the veterinarian, be prepared for a full examination, and the possibility of further testing in order to receive a definitive diagnosis. The information you can provide in advance of the testing will be of great assistance to the veterinary team. Your veterinarian and her technicians may ask questions as they begin the examination.
- How long has the tumor been growing, to your knowledge?
- Does your pet show any pain when you touch the mass?
- What is his typical diet?
- Has his appetite been normal of late?
- Does he exhibit any difficulty when eating?
- What are his urinary and defecation habits like in recent days?
- Has his behavior changed at all?
Once your veterinarian has palpated your pet’s chest, limbs, and abdomen for tumors other than what you have been able to show her, she may suggest further testing.
- A needle aspirate will withdraw oily material and fat cells that will be examined under the microscope (cytology), in order to identify and confirm the fatty tissue tumor
- A punch biopsy or full excision biopsy may be necessary to examine tissue (histopathology) and rule out a malignant, cancerous tumor
- A radiograph, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT) scan might be needed in addition, if the suspected tumor is thought to be in an area not easily reached during surgery, and to distinguish the tumor from normal fatty tissue
- Exploratory surgery could be recommended; for example, if the tumor is in the abdomen
If surgery is required to remove the lipoma, then a complete blood count, chemistry profile, and urine test will be done to review the general health of your pet, making assurances that surgery is viable.
Treatment of Lipoma in Dogs
The treatment protocol will have a few variables. The age of your dog, his present state of health, the type of tumor, the location, and the size all have a bearing on the procedure to follow. To be noted, for example, is the fact that if your dog is getting on in age and the tumor does not seem to be causing him distress and is indeed benign, the decision to leave well enough alone may her reached by you and your vet.
For our overweight canine family members who may need surgery, there is the possibility of the need to lose some excess weight first, so the veterinary surgeon can accurately distinguish the tumor from normal body fat. The surgeon will have the goal to excise the lump completely, and clearly defined tumor margins are necessary in order to achieve this.
During surgery, your much-loved dog will be carefully monitored. He will receive intravenous fluids and pain medication. While under the anesthesia, the observation of his blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate and rhythm, and oxygen levels will be of utmost importance.
Surgery tends to be curative and most lipomas do not recur.
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Recovery of Lipoma in Dogs
In the case of a simple (non-infiltrative) tumor, discharge from the hospital could be the same day. For a more invasive operation, overnight observation could be required.
Once home, your pet will need your diligent care. Pain medication and anti-inflammatories will be administered by you, with the direction of the veterinary team. Make sure your dog does not lick the wound. Your veterinarian will suggest an Elizabethan collar if she thinks it is needed. Monitor the incision for irritation or infection, and call the clinic if you have concerns about the healing process. Exercise will not be permitted for 3 weeks to a month after the surgery.
It should be noted that infiltrative tumors have been documented to return within a year in up to 30 percent of cases. Continued weight control is important, and may slow the regrowth possibility.
Lipoma Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$800
Top
Lipoma Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
mixed breed
Eight Years
15 found this helpful
15 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Soft And Moveable Mass On Back Of Neck Near Shoulder Blade
The vet examined the mass and did a fine needle aspiration. She sent the slides off to the lab however examined one on her own and stated it appears just to be fatty cells. How common is it for the lab to come back and contradict her initial findings?
May 9, 2021
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
15 Recommendations
Hello, it is possible that the slide she looked at was just fatty cells but that there were cancer cells on the slide. Many times we are correct on what the mass actually is but there are times when we are not right which is why it is always best for a pathologist to review them.
May 28, 2021
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Pit Bull
8 Years
12 found this helpful
12 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lump
He has a lump at bottom of rib cage before the arch half way between front and back legs. It doesnt move, it's hard but soft and it's the width of 2 fingers. I cant feel the rib that the bump seems to be on or over
Dec. 8, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
12 Recommendations
Thank you for the clear photos.
Unfortunately there is no way to make a diagnosis from a picture alone.
While this could be a benign lump such as a lipoma, it is also possible that it is a cancerous lump. If present for a few weeks and it hasn't gone away, a vet should check it and may wish to sample it.
Dec. 8, 2020
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Australian Cattle Dog
Eleven Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limp
My dog is having a large lipoma removed from her back leg. Unfortunately the vet could not get her in till December 30th. Sometimes the lipoma will cause issues with her gate.
Is there a way I can help alleviate her discomfort?
Nov. 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
5 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
That time frame is not that far away, given the length of time that the lipoma has likely been growing, and I would think that she is probably compensating for the lump over time. Since it will be removed soon, I would not recommend anything other than limiting walk times to help her with her mobility. If your veterinarian has seen her recently, they may want to prescribe her medication if she is painful, and that is something that you can discuss with them, as they know more about her history and health status.
Nov. 25, 2020
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Pug
Eleven Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I found a small lump on each side of my babes neck. His chest also feels squishy. I have a vet appt. in 2 week, but don’t know if I should go to the emergency clinic. He has no fever or any other symptoms currently.
July 24, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello,
This may be fatty masses or could be lymph nodes. It would be best to see your vet. If the masses are getting bigger, it may be better to see your vet sooner as that can be a sign of cancer.
July 24, 2020
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Miniature Pinscher
Mia
17 Years
32 found this helpful
32 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
I have a Min Pin who is 17 years old, she has had 3 lipomas removed, 2 so far this year in separate surgeries, always on her neck.She had her las surgery in May and already has two new lipomas, another on her neck and one towards top of leg/shoulder area. The skin on the bigger one is fairly taut, wondering if I should leave alone or is there a chance of rupturing? Next is question about age and quality of life, she urinates outside however she defecates in her bedding, her hips bother her as she has trouble standing and squatting to urinate she will sometimes fall over and urinate in a position of lying down. She’s not in pain, doesn’t cry, and still has sparkle in her eyes...guess my question is continue to have removed or let them be....I am struggling with decision to continuously having surgery when they are growing back so quickly...3-4 mos in between this would be surgery 4
Sept. 5, 2018
hi, my dog had surgery for a huge infiltration lipoma and four weeks later it started growing again. I decided to get to the root of the cause rather than keep doing surgery after surgery. I am happy to say after putting her on the below protocol, her lipoma has shrunk significantly in just 2 1/2 months. In addition, she is more agile, leaps and runs easily again. First, stop feeding kibble and switch your dog to a low carb raw diet. There are many brands, just make sure the carbs (which is the stuff not listed that rounds the percentages in the ingredients up to 100!) is less than 8%. The Keto Sanctuary recommends Valiant. I have my dog on Stella & Chewy’s and I add moisture. In addition, incorporate Intermittent fasting at a 16:8 ratio and during the eight hours only feed twice. This gives the body 16 hours of detoxing uninterrupted by the drain of constant digestion. Second, Mercola.com has projects for dogs that take down inflammation and support liver detox, which is essential for getting the fat out of the body. I have my dog on Curcurmin, Liver Detox, Krill Fish Oil, Mushroom Complex and Digestive enzymes — all from Mercola.com. Third, I give my dog Wobenzym (vitaliving.com) first thing in the morning and before bed (this is key!). Wobenzym clears inflammation and will also stop your dogs hips from hurting. Fourth, you must walk your dog and get its weight to a 3 on the 1 to 5 standard chart. Look it up, but you should be able to feel the ribs but not see them, the belly should nip up and you should be able to see a waistline when looking down, If your dog is overweight you have to put them on a diet and cut back 20 to 30% of their caloric intake. My dog was 20lbs and is now a lean and mean 17lbs. Fifth, no toxic flea and tick spot ons or pills or heart worm medicine. Many dogs have lipomas exactly where the spot on is put, basically the fat encapsulates the toxins. Go to Only Natural and get one of their kits. I am using the Garlic & Brewers Yeast treats, shampoo, spray and Easy Defense Tab. I also added an Amber Pet collar. My dog has been flea and tick free all summer. But I wouldn’t rely on just one modality, you have to do 3 to 4. This may all sound like a lot but it has worked and her lipomas have all shrunk. Secret to success: lose weight, support fat digestion, detox, eliminate toxins and walk, walk walk, I am walking her 5 miles a day and tracking through Fitbark, which I love. Good luck!
Sept. 8, 2018
Analisa L.
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Labrador Retriever
Grasshopper
12 Years
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Limping
My really healthy, fit, 12 -year-old Labrador has always had lipomas. Recently, when she gets up from laying down, she is really limping badly. I noticed a large lipoma in the joint area. She does not seem to be in pain, so I’m wondering if it is hindering her movement?
Lipoma Average Cost
From 367 quotes ranging from $300 - $5,000
Average Cost
$800
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
