Finding a lump on your dog can be frightening, but not every lump is cancerous.
One common type of growth found in dogs is a lipoma, also called a fatty tumor. Lipomas are typically benign growths made up of fat cells.
Even so, a new lump should not automatically be assumed to be a lipoma just because it feels soft or moves under the skin.
What Causes Lipomas?
The exact reason some dogs develop lipomas isn’t completely understood.
Several factors may play a role.
Age
Lipomas are more commonly found in middle-aged and older dogs.
As dogs age, they can develop various types of skin and soft-tissue growths, making regular attention to new lumps important.
Genetics
Some dogs may have a greater tendency to develop lipomas.
Breed and individual genetic factors can influence the types of masses a dog is more likely to develop.
Body Condition
Lipomas consist of fat tissue, and overweight dogs may be more likely to develop them.
However, weight alone does not explain every lipoma, and losing weight does not necessarily make an existing lipoma disappear.
What Does a Lipoma Feel Like?
A typical lipoma may feel:
- Soft
- Rounded
- Movable under the skin
- Relatively slow-growing
However, appearance and feel alone cannot reliably identify a mass.
Other types of growths can have similar characteristics.
Should Every Lump Be Checked?
A new or changing lump deserves attention.
Contact your veterinarian if you notice that a mass:
- Is growing quickly
- Changes shape or texture
- Becomes painful
- Bleeds or ulcerates
- Interferes with movement
- Appears suddenly
- Causes your dog to lick or chew at the area
Your veterinarian can determine whether diagnostic testing is appropriate.
When Is a Lipoma Removed?
Many uncomplicated lipomas don’t require removal if they are confirmed to be benign and aren’t causing problems.
Surgical removal may be considered when a mass:
- Interferes with movement
- Is uncomfortable
- Is located in a problematic area
- Continues to grow
- Has characteristics that make removal appropriate
- Needs to be removed for diagnostic or other medical reasons
Mass Removal at AZ Vet Direct
AZ Vet Direct provides surgical mass removal for appropriate patients.
Whether a mass should be removed surgically depends on the individual patient and the characteristics of the growth.
If your pet has a new lump, your regular veterinarian may recommend an examination or diagnostic testing before surgery to determine the appropriate course of action.
Don’t Diagnose a Lump by Touch Alone
A soft, movable lump may be a lipoma, but there is no reliable way for an owner to identify every type of mass simply by feeling it.
When you find a new lump, monitor it and have it appropriately evaluated rather than assuming it is harmless.
The Bottom Line
Lipomas are common benign fatty tumors in dogs, particularly as they get older. They don’t necessarily require removal, but masses that grow, change, cause discomfort, or interfere with normal activity may need further evaluation and possibly surgical removal.
