Lipomas In Pets
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour made up of fatty tissue.
What is a Lipoma?
Lipomas are the most common type of soft tissue tumour in both dogs and cats and typically develop under the skin, although they can occur in other tissues as well. They are generally slow-growing, painless, and often feel soft and squishy to the touch.
While lipomas are usually harmless, they can sometimes grow large or press on nearby organs or tissues, causing discomfort or affecting your pet’s movement.
Signs Your Pet May Have a Lipoma
Lipomas in pets can vary in size and location, but common signs include:
🐾 Soft, moveable lump – Lipomas often feel like a rubbery or doughy mass under the skin. They are usually round or oval and can be easily moved around when gently pressed.
🐾 Slow growth – Lipomas typically grow gradually and are often noticed over time.
🐾 No pain or irritation – Most lipomas do not cause pain or discomfort unless they press on nearby structures.
🐾 Change in mobility or behaviour – If a lipoma grows large enough to press on muscles, nerves, or joints, it can lead to difficulty moving or limping.
🐾 Appearance of multiple lumps – Some pets develop more than one lipoma, which can lead to the appearance of multiple soft lumps under the skin.
What Causes Lipomas?
Several factors may contribute to a lipomas development:
🐾 Genetics – Some breeds are more prone to developing lipomas, such as Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, and Cocker Spaniels.
🐾 Age – Lipomas are more common in older pets.
🐾 Obesity – Overweight pets may have a higher risk of developing lipomas.
When to See a Vet
It’s important to see your veterinarian if you notice any unusual lumps or bumps on your pet. You should seek veterinary care if:
✔ The lump grows rapidly or becomes painful
✔ Your pet is showing signs of discomfort, limping, or difficulty moving
✔ The lump changes in shape, size, or texture
✔ You notice multiple lumps appearing at once
✔ You’re concerned about the nature of the lump and want to rule out other potential issues, such as cancerous tumors
Professional Lipoma Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we offer a variety of treatments to manage and treat lipomas, including:
Diagnosis and evaluation
Our vets perform a thorough physical exam to assess the lump. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) will be done to determine if the lump is indeed a lipoma or another type of growth.
Surgical removal
If the lipoma is large, causing discomfort, or interfering with your pet’s movement, your vet may recommend surgery to remove the tumor.
Monitoring
In some cases, if the lipoma is small and not causing any issues, your vet may suggest simply monitoring the lump over time to ensure it doesn't change.
How to Prevent Lipomas
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent lipomas, there are steps you can take to reduce your pet’s risk of developing them:
🐾 Maintain a healthy weight – Keeping your pet at a healthy weight can reduce the likelihood of developing lipomas.
🐾 Regular veterinary check-ups – Regular check-ups with your vet can help detect lipomas or other health issues early on.
🐾 Monitor for lumps – Perform routine checks of your pet’s skin and body for any new lumps or changes in existing lumps.
If your pet experiences signs of a lipoma, call our vets for to discuss treatment and prevention plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No, lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumours. However, it is important to have these lumps properly evaluated and tested to ensure they are not another type of tumour.
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Yes, lipomas can typically be surgically removed if they are causing discomfort, growing large, or affecting your pet’s mobility. The surgery is usually straightforward and has a high success rate.
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In some cases, lipomas can recur after surgery, but this is relatively uncommon. If a lipoma does come back, your vet may recommend further treatment or monitoring.
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In some cases, small lipomas that are not causing any issues may simply be monitored over time.
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It can be difficult to differentiate between a lipoma and other types of tumours just by looking at it. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy can help your vet make a definitive diagnosis and determine the best course of action.
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