Lipomas in Dogs: Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Understanding Lipomas in Dogs

Lipomas are benign fatty masses that develop underneath the skin in dogs. They appear as soft, movable lumps under the skin and are usually painless. While generally harmless, it's important to get lipomas examined by a veterinarian to rule out cancerous growths.

Identifying Lipomas in Dogs

Some ways to identify lipomas in dogs include:

Appearance

Lipomas look like round or oval shaped lumps under the skin. They have defined edges and can freely move when touched. Lipomas are covered by normal skin and vary from pea to several inches sized. Here are pictures of lipomas in dogs:

Body Location

Lipomas usually occur on the torso in areas like the chest, abdomen, armpits, upper legs. But they can develop anywhere on the body. Some common locations include:

• Chest and belly
• Upper legs and hips
• Shoulders and armpits
• Back, neck and head

Consistent Size

Unlike tumors, lipomas typically do not continue to grow indefinitely. They remain about the same size once formed or very slow growing. Any lumps that appear to increase in size should be evaluated by a vet.

Soft and Movable

Lipomas feel doughy or squishy to the touch. They are not fixed in place and can be moved under the skin with applied finger pressure due to their soft fatty tissue consistency.

What Causes Lipomas in Dogs?

While the exact cause is unknown, lipomas may be triggered by factors like:

Genetics and Breeds

Certain breeds like Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers and Schnauzers have a genetic tendency to develop lipomas. The condition may run in families.

Obesity

Overweight and obese dogs have elevated body fat levels which likely increases lipoma formation.

Chronic Inflammation

Inflammatory trigging may promote lipoma development in some dogs, especially when occurring repeatedly in the same location.

Insulin Resistance

Reduced cellular sensitivity to insulin is thought to potentially encourage lipoma growth in dogs, similar to other benign fatty masses.

Trauma

Blunt trauma, scar formation or other damage to tissues might trigger lipomas in some cases.

Are Lipomas in Dogs Dangerous?

In most cases, lipomas in dogs are not dangerous. They are benign fatty masses that form slowly under the skin. Most lipomas remain small, grow slowly and rarely impact health. However, potential problems to watch for include:

Impaired Movement

Large lipomas in joint areas may mechanically interfere with limb mobility and range of motion.

Ulceration

Superficial lipomas that outgrow blood supply may ulcerate, become inflamed and infected.

Malignant Cancer

Very rarely, a lipoma may turn cancerous if left untreated for years. Any rapidly growing mass should undergo biopsy.

Thus, it is recommended to have new onset lipomas evaluated by a veterinarian when first detected even if they appear benign.

Diagnosing Lipomas in Dogs

To confirm lipoma diagnosis, vets may perform:

Physical Exam

Carefully feeling the growth while manipulating the skin and underlying tissues.

Fine Needle Aspiration

Inserting a small needle into the lump to attempt to extract cells for microscopic analysis.

Biopsy

Surgically removing all or some of the lipoma for pathological testing if cancer is suspected.

Imaging Tests

Baseline x-rays or ultrasound scans of the abdomen to characterize size, location and identify any concerning features.

Treating Lipomas in Dogs

Monitoring

Smallslow growing lipomas under 2 inches may simply be observed at home initially.

Prescription Diet

A reduced calorie veterinary weight loss diet may help shrink lipomas in overweight dogs.

Lipoma Removal Surgery

Surgical extraction may be done on larger lipomas or those causing problems like impaired movement or self-trauma. Surgery also allows tissue analysis to check for cancer.

Non-surgical Fat Dissolving Injections

Injectable compounds like lipolytic enzymes, phosphatidylcholine or deoxycholate canhelp dissolve lipomas without surgery in some cases.

Preventing Lipomas in Dogs

Preventive strategies include:

• Avoiding obesity
• Feeding high quality diet
• Early health screening
• Exercising regularly
• Maintaining optimal body condition
• Treating any chronic inflammatory health issues

In most cases, lipomas in dogs are harmless fatty masses. But it remains important to have any new lumps or bumps examined promptly by your veterinarian to confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.