There are both malignant and benign tumors in dogs.
The so-called lipoma is one of the benign tumors in dogs. This is usually a harmless fatty tumor.
How you such a Lipoma in dogs can be identified, what causes it and what treatment it is takes place, the following guide explains.
What is a lipoma in dogs?
A lipoma is initially nothing more than a benign fatty tumor. Also known as the fat pouch, it sits in the dog’s subcutaneous tissue.
Although it is a fat lump, a lipoma is usually soft in texture. In most cases, a lipoma is not a concern as it is benign in nature.
However, there is one important limitation here, and that is size. Because the larger the lipoma in the dog, the more likely it is to restrict it.
This also depends on which part of the body the lipoma has formed in the fur nose.
There is also a special type of lipoma in dogs, the so-called infiltrative lipoma.
This is a lump of fat that has grown together with the surrounding tissue.
Such a lipoma is mainly found on the thighs. Due to the fact that it continues to grow over time, the dog’s movement is restricted.
A lipoma can also turn into a malignant tumor. Then one speaks of a liposarcoma.
Fortunately, this only occurs in very rare cases. The lungs, bones and liver are then affected or affected.
What are the causes of a lipoma in dogs?
What exactly causes or promotes the development of a lipoma in dogs has not yet been scientifically clarified.
So far the only unproven theory is that a lipoma an inherited canine cancer is.
In addition, lipomas have been observed primarily in older dogs and bitches, but not in young dogs.
Another assumption is that a lipoma can develop in overweight dogs.
The reason is the excess fat that is also stored in the dog’s skin with the extra grams or kilos.
How to correctly identify a lipoma in a dog
You can recognize a lipoma in dogs by the fact that there is a lip under the skin ideally only a small lump that you simply push back and forth can.
If this lump does not feel warm or even hot, you can also assume that it is not an infection.
You can also recognize a possible lipoma by the temperature of the bump.
On the other hand, if the lipoma is not that small, it is very easy to spot, because in such a case it can be clearly visible under the dog’s skin.
If it is an infiltrative lipoma, you cannot only recognize it by its size.
In contrast to a normal lipoma, this fat lump cannot simply be moved from side to side.
Treatment and therapy of lipomas in dogs
Have you noticed a possible lipoma in your dog? This suspicion is then first confirmed by scanning.
Most veterinarians can already recognize a lipoma with this examination method – and also whether it is a normal or an infiltrative lipoma.
In some cases will Fluid samples taken from the fat nodeusing a syringe.
This procedure is referred to as a so-called fine-needle aspiration biopsy. The sample taken is then examined under the microscope.
Not only this small biopsy can be performed, but also a slightly larger one. This is a minor surgical procedure.
A tissue sample is taken from this. In addition, the veterinarian can already see here what type of lipoma the dog has.
If your dog actually has a lipoma, it can only be surgically removed.
Of course, this procedure is always associated with a risk, not least because of the necessary anesthesia.
If it is just a tiny sac of fat, surgical removal is usually not necessary.
Nevertheless, the lipoma should be kept in mind through regular palpation. In case of enlargement, it should possibly be removed.
This also applies to the infiltrative lipoma. The surgical intervention required here is a lot more complicated, since the surrounding tissue also has to be removed.
It is best to discuss the correct and sensible course of action with your veterinarian. Because he will only recommend surgery if he thinks it is unavoidable.
important information
If it is a liposarcoma, it should be removed as soon as possible. Here, healthy tissue surrounding the liposarcoma is also surgically removed.
What is the right way to prevent a lipoma in dogs?
Important tips for proper prevention of a liposome in dogs unfortunately there are currently almost none – because no one knows where a lipoma actually comes from.
The only thing you can do for your fur nose is to check the skin regularly.
Because that way you should be able to see the smallest knot under the skin. In addition, you still have regular check-ups by the vet.
The doctor can use the fine-needle aspiration biopsy to check whether it is still a lipoma or not.
There is also another tip that you can use to prevent a possible lipoma – namely if this is a side effect of being overweight.
With a diet and a change in feed as well as sufficient exercise, you can help your furry friend get back to its ideal weight.
It is therefore possible that this will prevent further lipomas in dogs.
Would you like to know if your fur nose is one of the canine vacuum cleaners?
Then just take a look at our guide “These 10 dog breeds are considered to be absolutely gluttonous”.
Has your dog ever had a lipoma and if so, what helped here? We would be happy if you share your experiences and other helpful tips with us in the comments.