by Leonard Konis

Created on: January 17, 2011

Canine Lipomas is benign soft fatty tumor cells, embedded under the skin (Approximately 1.7 million dogs in the United States 7). Frequently the location of the fatty tumor cells under the surface of the chest and abdomen most breeds of dogs, especially older female canines. 1 Rarely canine Lipomas diagnosed in puppies as young as five or six months.

2 Less common fatty tumors that are firm and disable a dog's mobility (causing pain and discomfort) as the dog grows older, referred to as Infiltrative lipomas requiring surgical removal. If infilitrative lipoma’s are not surgically removed sooner than later: The fatty tissue will expand making surgical extraction more difficult in the future, further paralysing a dog's movement and increase pain. If surgical removal of infiltrative lipoma is not totally successful, radiation therapy is recommended.  1  A veterinarian should biopsy in the office canine lipomas for cancer. Recommend sending a sample of a biopsy canine tissue to a pathology laboratory confirming malignancy. 3

 Average size of a Canine Lipoma is no larger than a golf ball and soft to the touch.  Also, may appear in numerous locations under a dog's skin (subcutaneous). Surgery for canine lipomas only recommend if the obstruction causes discomfort and interferes with mobility (or prevents sleep 10). but not recommended for cosmetic intervention, contrary to pet owners request for removal (2). Surgically removing a canine Lipoma requires suctioning   - out fatty tissue, not sensible and causes discomfort.  4 "If you decide on surgery for your animal, your vet will probably suggest pre-surgical blood testing to rule out any unknown diseases (heart disease among older dogs and kidney or liver disorders) that could place your dog in jeopardy while under general anesthesia." Frequently canine Lipomas diagnosed among overweight and older female canine Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, miniature schnauzers, and mixed breeds.  3  In the United States, cost for treating canine lipomas on an annual basis is nearly $365 million. 7

  Diet may influence the development or absent of canine Lipoma. Martin Goldstein, DVM author of the book "The Nature of Animal Healing", theorizes a high carbohydrate diet linked to canine Lipomas. The author suggests feeding a dog less vegetable matter and largely raw meat, since the dietary consumption

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