Understanding Lipomas

Understanding Lipomas in Dogs

Lipomas are extremely common, benign fatty tumors that develop under a dog's skin. While generally harmless, pet owners will likely notice these bumps while petting or brushing their dog. Learning to identify and manage lipomas in dogs can help provide peace of mind.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a round, movable lump located under the skin, composed of fatty tissue. Lipomas are typically soft, with an outer layer that feels like normal skin. However, the center feels thicker and doughy to the touch. Lipomas range in size from a tiny pea to several inches across. They tend to grow gradually over weeks to months. Dogs may develop just one solitary lipoma, or many lumps scattered across their body.

Common Locations on Dogs

Lipomas can crop up anywhere, but some patterns emerge in where they most often appear on dogs:

• Chest and armpits
• Abdomen and groin
• Upper legs and thigh area
• Shoulders and neck
• Back, especially along the spine

What Causes Lipomas in Dogs?

The exact cause remains unknown, but vets propose several theories about the development of lipomas in dogs:

• Fatty tissue growth - Lipomas may arise from fat cells multiplying and clustering together into a mass.
• Genetics - Purebred dogs like Dobermans, Labrador Retrievers, Schnauzers, and Beagles display a tendency for lipomas, suggesting a possible genetic link.
• Obesity - Overweight and obese dogs appear predisposed to developing lipomas.
• Trauma - Injury to an area may trigger a lipoma to form.
• Chronic inflammation - Long-term inflammation seems to encourage lipoma development.

Lipoma Risk Factors

Certain factors seem to increase a dog's risk of developing lipomas including:

• Older age - Most lipomas emerge in middle-aged to older dogs from ages 6 years and up.
• Obesity - Fat dogs are more prone to lipomas.
• Breed - Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, Beagles and Doberman Pinschers display a genetic tendency.
• Female gender - Females appear slightly more predisposed than males.
• Trauma - Damage to an area sometimes triggers a lipoma.
• Chronic inflammation - Common in arthritic joints.

Common Dog Lipoma Pictures

Knowing what lipomas look like on dogs helps identify them. Here are some common photos and illustrations:

• Round, oval or bulbous bulge under the skin
• Frequently 2-6 inches across, but can be smaller or larger
• Soft, pliable lump that moves freely when handled
• Often just under the surface, rarely deeply buried
• Covered in normal, undamaged skin and fur
• Slow growing over weeks to months

Distinguishing Lipomas from Other Lumps

There are some key ways to tell lipomas apart from potentially dangerous skin masses:

• Location - Lipomas tend to occur in fatty areas like the belly, thighs, chest. Cancers often show up on less fatty regions like the nose, mouth, eyelids.
• Feel - Lipomas have a soft, pliable feel and are not attached to underlying tissues. Cancers tend to feel firmer and fixed in place.
• Appearance - Lipomas are rounded, smooth masses covered with normal looking skin and fur. Cancers often look abnormal or ulcerated.
• Growth - Lipomas grow slowly over months. Rapid growth over days to weeks is more concerning.

Do Lipomas in Dogs Need Treatment?

Most lipomas in dogs are benign and require no treatment. Dogs live comfortably for years with multiple lipomas. Surgical removal is indicated only if:

• The lump is in an area vulnerable to trauma or irritation and at risk of ulceration
• The lipoma becomes very large and inhibits movement or joint function
• The lump is rapidly growing, which raises concerns about cancer
• The lipoma appears infected, ulcerated or painful
• The appearance doesn't match typical lipoma characteristics
• The dog's quality of life is impaired by the lipoma

Diagnosing Lipomas in Dogs

Veterinarians diagnose lipomas through a combination of:

• Physical exam - Feeling and manipulating the lump provides important clues. Typical features include being soft, movable, smooth, round, slow growing, and located in fatty regions.
• Medical history - Knowing the dog's health background helps determine any associated risk factors.
• Fine needle aspiration - Inserting a needle into the lump and withdrawing cells for examination under a microscope can help confirm fat cells and rule out cancers.
• Biopsy - Rarely needed, but removes a small sample to analyze in the lab.
• Imaging - CT scans, MRIs or ultrasounds can identify lipomas and characterize internal structures.

Medical Treatment

Most lipomas in dogs don't require any medical intervention. However, if a lipoma causes significant discomfort or mobility issues, vets may recommend:

• Steroids - Cortisone injected into the lipoma may help shrink the lump.
• Liposuction - Inserts a needle and suctions out fatty tissue to reduce the size.
• Diet - Prescribing a weight loss diet if obesity is contributing to multiple lipomas.
• Pain medication - Prescription or over-the-counter pain relievers if the lipoma is painful.

Surgical Removal

If a lipoma causes significant problems, surgical removal may be warranted under sedation or anesthesia. Vets typically use a scalpel to cut out the entire lump, then close the site with stitches or staples. The tissue is examined to confirm it's a lipoma. Potential surgical complications include bleeding, infection, recurrence, and reactions to anesthesia.

Home Care and Prevention

Helping care for a dog with lipomas at home involves:

• Monitoring size, appearance, texture - Report any changes to your vet.
• Protecting from trauma - Avoiding damage by cushioning with padding.
• Gentle massage - This may help soften and dissipate smaller lipomas over time.
• Warm compresses - Applying heating pads can improve blood flow.
• Weight control - Maintaining optimal weight minimizes obesity contributing to lipomas.
• Fish oil - May help reduce inflammation triggering some lipomas.
• Good nutrition - Feed quality diet with anti-inflammatory ingredients like omega-3s.

When to See the Vet

Schedule an appointment if your dog develops a new lump, or an existing lipoma:

• Rapidly grows larger
• Changes texture or becomes painful or warm
• Obstructs mobility, joints, or organs
• Becomes irritated, inflamed, ulcerated or bleeds
• Interferes with eating, relieving bowels or bladder, breathing

While most lipomas are benign, it’s important your veterinarian examines any suspicious lumps. Early identification of cancerous growths improves outcomes.

The Bottom Line on Dog Lipomas

Lipomas are common in older dogs, especially those who are overweight. While usually harmless, notify your vet about any new lumps. Seek prompt veterinary care if the lipoma seems unusual or causes problems. Otherwise, lipomas typically don't require intervention beyond monitoring their progression.

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.