Lipomas In Dogs: 6 Causes & 5 Treatment Options
Monitoring soft lumps ensures comfortable movement for your dog.
What Are Lipomas in Dogs?
Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fatty tissue (adipose cells) that commonly develop under the skin of dogs. Frequently appearing as soft, movable lumps, these growths are generally non-cancerous and slow-growing. Although most lipomas are harmless, they can occasionally interfere with a dog’s movement or comfort, depending on their size and location.
While a single lipoma is common, some dogs develop multiple lipomas simultaneously or at different times during their lives.
Types of Lipomas
- Simple (Conventional) Lipomas: Most lipomas belong to this category. They are encapsulated, soft, and situated just beneath the skin on the trunk and limbs.
- Infiltrative Lipomas: These less common lipomas penetrate nearby tissues such as muscles, bones, or nerves. Although still benign, they grow faster, can recur after removal, and may cause more discomfort due to their invasiveness.
- Liposarcomas: Rare malignant tumors of fat cells that tend to invade surrounding tissues but rarely metastasize (spread to distant organs).
Common Locations in Dogs
- Chest
- Abdomen
- Limbs and axilla (armpit)
- Neck
Causes and Risk Factors
The precise cause of lipoma formation in dogs remains unknown, but veterinary research and clinical observations have identified several contributing factors:
- Genetics: Certain breeds, such as Labrador Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Beagles, are predisposed to developing lipomas.
- Age: Middle-aged and senior dogs are much more likely to develop lipomas.
- Obesity: Overweight dogs face a higher risk of developing these fatty tumors.
- Diet and Nutrition: Dietary factors and poor weight management may play a role.
- Environment: Exposure to certain chemicals or environmental toxins could contribute, although evidence is limited.
- Drug Interactions: Some medications might influence susceptibility in rare cases.
Recognizing Lipoma Symptoms
Most lipomas are visible and palpable benign swellings under the skin. Observe your dog for the following signs:
- Soft, round, movable lump: The classic sign. Lipomas feel soft, rubbery, and roll easily under the skin. They don’t adhere to muscle or bone.
- Painless: Lipomas rarely cause discomfort, unless they grow large or affect joint movement.
- Slow-growing: Most lipomas increase in size gradually over time.
- No skin changes: Overlying skin typically looks normal, without redness or ulceration.
- Multiple lumps: In some cases, dogs develop more than one lipoma, either simultaneously or in succession.
- Location: Lipomas are common on the chest, belly, legs, and sometimes the neck.
Diagnosis: How Are Lipomas Identified?
When a lump is detected on your dog, veterinary evaluation is essential to determine if it is a lipoma or another, potentially serious, growth. Diagnosis usually includes:
- Physical examination: The veterinarian assesses the lump’s size, consistency, mobility, and location.
- Fine needle aspiration: A minimally invasive technique where a needle is used to collect cells from the lump, which are examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist.
- Biopsy or histopathology: Recommended when initial results are unclear, or if malignancy is suspected. Tissue samples are analyzed for definitive diagnosis.
- Imaging (Ultrasound, MRI): Useful for infiltrative lipomas, or when growths are deep or near vital structures.
Table: Lipoma vs. Other Common Dog Skin Lumps
| Lump Type | Texture | Pain | Growth Rate | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lipoma | Soft, movable | Painless | Slow | Chest, abdomen, limbs |
| Cyst | Firm, sometimes moveable | Usually painless | Variable | Anywhere, often skin |
| Mast Cell Tumor | Firm, irregular | May be painful or itchy | Variable, can be fast | Anywhere |
| Abscess | Fluctuant, can be firm | Painful | Usually fast | Anywhere |
When Is Treatment Needed?
Not all lipomas require active treatment. Many are benign and harmless, especially if they do not hinder the dog’s mobility or cause discomfort. The decision to treat depends on:
- Lipoma size and growth rate
- Locationâespecially near joints or vital areas
- Symptoms: Pain, discomfort, impaired movement
- Appearance: If the lump grows rapidly, changes shape, or becomes firm and adherent, further investigation is recommended
What others are reading
Cosmetic concerns may also prompt treatment in some cases.
Treatment Options for Lipomas
- Observation: Many lipomas are simply monitored over time, as they are slow-growing and usually asymptomatic. Regular veterinary checkups can track any changes.
- Surgical Removal: The first-choice treatment for most problematic or fast-growing lipomas. Surgery is usually curative, especially for simple lipomas. Infiltrative lipomas may require more extensive removal and can sometimes recur.
- Weight Management: Overweight dogs may benefit from weight loss, which can occasionally reduce the likelihood of new lipomas forming and simplify surgical removal.
- Steroid Injections: Some veterinarians now use ultrasound-guided steroid injections (triamcinolone acetonide) for partial or complete regression of lipomas. This method is relatively safe but may cause transient side effects such as increased thirst and urination for a few weeks.
- Radiation Therapy: Occasionally recommended for infiltrative lipomas that cannot be entirely removed by surgery.
What Happens During Surgical Removal?
Surgical excision is generally a straightforward procedure for subcutaneous lipomas. The veterinarian typically creates a small incision, removes the tumor, and sutures the wound. However, complications may arise if the lipoma:
- Is very large, making removal and wound closure difficult
- Lacks clear edges, blending into surrounding tissues
- Infiltrates muscle or bone, requiring a more invasive procedure
Postoperative risks include wound healing problems, seroma formation (fluid accumulation), and, rarely, nerve injury.
Preventive Measures and Prognosis
- Regular veterinary checkups: Early detection allows for optimal treatment decisions.
- Maintain healthy weight: Proper diet and regular exercise may reduce lipoma risk and support general health.
- Monitor existing lumps: Note changes in size, shape, or consistency, and report any new findings to your veterinarian.
- Breed-specific vigilance: Owners of high-risk breeds should be especially observant.
Prognosis is excellent for most dogs with simple lipomas. After removal, recurrence is rare in typical cases, but infiltrative lipomas may return, requiring ongoing management. Malignant liposarcomas have a moderate prognosis, rarely spreading but potentially invading nearby tissues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lipomas in Dogs
Q: Are lipomas in dogs cancerous?
A: Most lipomas are benign (non-cancerous). Rare cases, called liposarcomas, are malignant but tend not to metastasize widely.
Q: Should I have every lump on my dog removed?
A: No. Many lumps are harmless. Veterinary evaluation is essential; some lipomas may be left alone if asymptomatic, while othersâespecially those affecting movement or comfortâshould be treated.
Q: What breeds are most at risk for lipomas?
A: Labrador Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, Beagles, and older, overweight dogs have the highest risk.
Q: Can lipomas turn into cancer?
A: Benign lipomas do not become cancerous. Liposarcomas, a different type, are malignant but not derived from benign lipomas.
Q: Is there any way to prevent lipomas?
A: While prevention is not guaranteed, maintaining a healthy weight, proper nutrition, and regular vet visits may reduce your dog’s risk of developing lipomas.
Q: Can lipomas disappear without treatment?
A: Most lipomas remain unless removed, but steroid injections may sometimes shrink or resolve them.
Conclusion
Multiple lipomas are a common condition in aging and overweight dogs. Although most are benign and manageable, it’s crucial for pet owners to recognize, monitor, and consult veterinarians about new lumps or changes in preexisting growths. Treatments range from observation to advanced surgery or steroid therapy. With appropriate care, dogs affected by lipomas can maintain a high quality of life.
References
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3511498/
- https://chinovalleyanimalhospital.com/blog/dog-lipomas/
- https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-information/lipomas-dogs
- https://www.vscot.com/site/blog/2022/04/15/lipomas-dog
- https://www.goodrx.com/pet-health/dog/lipoma-in-dogs
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