Lipoma or fatty lumps in dogs

Content by Emma Chandley BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS

Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths made up of fat cells that develop just beneath the skin. They’re one of the most common types of lumps seen in dogs, particularly as they get older. They will usually present as soft, slightly squishy lumps that can be moved gently under the skin.

These lumps tend to grow slowly and are often found on the chest, abdomen or limbs. While they’re usually harmless, it’s important not to assume that every lump found is a lipoma. Different types of growths can look and feel similar, so any new lump should always be checked over by a vet.

Although most lipomas remain small and don’t cause any problems, some can grow large or develop in awkward positions where they may interfere with movement. For this reason, monitoring changes over time is a very important part of managing them.

• Lipomas are benign growths made up of fat cells that usually sit beneath the skin
• They’re commonly seen in middle-aged to older dogs
• Most are soft, slow growing and not painful
• They can occur anywhere on the body, but are often found on the chest or abdomen
• Veterinary assessment is important to confirm the diagnosis

The exact cause of lipomas in dogs isn’t fully understood, but there are a few factors that seem to play a role. They’re seen much more commonly in older dogs, so age is thought to be an important factor. Changes in how the body stores and processes fat over time may also contribute.

Genetics are also thought to be involved, as certain breeds seem more predisposed. It’s also been suggested that dogs who are overweight may be more likely to develop lipomas, although lipomas do occur in dogs with a healthy body condition as well.

In most cases, lipomas aren’t linked to any underlying illness. They tend to develop gradually and independently, rather than as part of a wider disease process.

Lipomas can be seen in any type of dog, but they are more commonly diagnosed in certain breeds such as:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Dobermans
• Weimaraners
• Cocker Spaniels

These breeds are often mentioned as being more predisposed, alongside a number of other medium to large breeds. Despite this, no breed is completely exempt. Smaller dogs and crossbreeds can also develop lipomas, as seen frequently in vet practices.

Body condition is always an important consideration. Dogs that carry excess weight may be more prone to developing fatty lumps, and maintaining a healthy weight can help support overall wellbeing, including joint and skin health.

Most lipomas are discovered incidentally by owners when they are stroking or grooming their dog. They typically present as soft, rounded lumps beneath the skin that can often be moved slightly when touched.

They’re usually not painful and do not affect a dog’s behaviour or appetite. In many cases, the only noticeable change is the presence of the lump itself.

Larger lipomas or those located near joints or between muscles can occasionally cause discomfort or restrict movement. A change in size, shape or firmness of any lump should always be checked, as this may indicate that further investigation is needed.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination. Your vet will assess the size, texture and location of the lump. They’ll ask some questions about how long it’s been present and if there have been any recent changes 

A fine needle aspirate (FNA) is then usually performed. This involves taking a small sample of cells from the lump using a needle, which can then be examined under a microscope. In many cases, this is enough to confirm whether the lump is a lipoma.

If there’s any uncertainty, or if the lump has unusual features, further tests such as a larger biopsy or imaging may be advised.

Many lipomas don’t require any treatment and can simply be monitored over time. If the lump is small, not causing discomfort and has been confirmed as benign, your vet may recommend a watch-and-wait approach.

Surgical removal may be considered if the lipoma is growing rapidly, interfering with movement or located in an area where it could cause problems. Surgery is generally straightforward, although the complexity can vary depending on the size and position of the lump.

In some cases, particularly with deeper or more invasive lipomas, referral to a specialist may be recommended.

Prognosis

The outlook for dogs with lipomas is generally very good. Most remain benign and do not affect quality of life negatively. If a lipoma is surgically removed, it is usually curative for that particular lump. However, some dogs may go on to develop additional lipomas elsewhere over time. Regular monitoring and routine veterinary checks help ensure that any changes are identified early.

“Lipomas are something we see very frequently in general practice, and they’re often a source of (understandable) concern for owners when they first notice a new lump on their dog. It can be quite alarming to suddenly feel something that wasn’t there before, particularly as many lumps can feel quite prominent under the skin.

“The reassuring part is that a large proportion of these growths turn out to be benign fatty lumps and don’t go on to cause any problems or require treatment.

“Despite this, it’s always important to have any new lump checked sooner rather than later, instead of assuming it’s harmless. Even with experience, it isn’t possible to reliably identify every lump just by feeling it, which is why simple tests such as a fine needle aspirate are so useful in practice. These quick, minimally invasive tests can often give us a clear idea of what we’re dealing with.

“It can also be helpful for owners to keep a note of any lumps they find, including where they are and whether they seem to be changing over time. If a lump increases in size, changes in texture, or new lumps appear, it’s always worth having them reassessed. In general, the earlier we check things, the easier it is to get clear answers and decide on the most appropriate course of action.”

Emma Chandley BVetMed PGCertSAS MRCVS

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