by Cynthia Wall

Created on: August 05, 2011   Last Updated: August 12, 2011

Finding a lump on your dog is a scary thing. We all know that lumps may mean cancer and certainly any lump should be checked out to make sure that it’s not. If the diagnosis is a “Lipoma” or fatty tumor, adopting a wait and see approach is good advice. Not all lipomas need to be surgically removed. 

Since lipomas are usually benign, the real concern is location. They tend to grow with age and if they’re in a spot that may mean impairment for the dog, then surgery is the answer. Lipomas that grow on the legs are feet may intrude on the muscles and nerves. Lipomas that are causing irritation and subsequent licking by the dog also need to be removed. Lipomas that are very unsightly such as those on the face, especially around the eyes, are also best removed. 

Many people have dogs that sport fatty tumors for years with no unfavorable consequences. Lipomas are usually round and smooth. Their fibrous capsule makes it possible to roll them around with the fingers. They're not usually painful unless they get so large they interfere with movement. Diet and fatty tumors seem to have no connection other than the fact that overweight dogs, especially females, are more prone to get them. Spaying or neutering dogs and feeding them a healthy diet to keep weight in normal range is a good preventative against the tumors. But just like in humans, some dogs just develop them; they’re common in Dobermans and Shetland Sheepdogs. Underactive thyroid has been linked with a higher incidence of lipomas, so an annual checkup including bloodwork is a good idea. 

Lipomas that grow into surrounding tissues (Infiltrative lipomas) definitely need to be removed. Infiltrative lipomas are not considered as benign as others because they spread. They feel firmer to the touch and may be painful to the dog especially if they're interfering with muscle contraction. Radiation is a treatment option in some cases. 

If a lipoma is large enough to interfere with a dog's ability to move, it needs to be surgically removed. Delay may cause permanent damage.  But, happily most lipomas do not need to be removed. The owner’s observant eyes can be the best non-surgical treatment. If the vet thinks there is concern, a needle biopsy can confirm that the tumor is a fatty one… or something else. 

If the tumor is benign, the owner can monitor it by laying a piece of wax paper over the lump and tracing the lump's contour with a felt marker. By dating the paper, the owner won’t have to rely on memory to know if the tumor is growing.

The danger signs about change that signal cancer in humans are also relevant to dogs. If the small lump begins to grow rapidly or suddenly after a long time of remaining the same; if its feel changes from soft to lumpy; if it's inhibiting the pet's movement, or if the pet is chewing on it all constitute good reasons to have the tumor removed. 

References: 

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cFm?c=2+1592&aid=455 

http://www.vetinfor.com/managing-lipomas-dogs-html

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