Fatty Tissue Tumors in Dogs

Fatty tissue tumors can occur in dogs of all breeds at any age. Most of these tumors are benign and do not require removal unless they are very large. If your dog develops a fatty tissue tumor, consult a veterinarian to be certain it is a benign tumor.

  1. Identification

    • Fatty tissue tumors are also known as lipomas in dogs. Lipomas occur most often in overweight dogs and female dogs. These tumors are not malignant and pose no threat to the dog's health unless they become very large or limit the dog's mobility. It can be difficult, however, for an untrained pet owner to distinguish between a lipoma and a malignant tumor. For this reason, you should visit your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis.

    Types

    • Fatty tissue tumors or lipomas are best described as fat deposits that are in an abnormal area on the dog's skin. Lipomas are usually located in the subcutaneous tissue and are painless. Although firm, this type of tumor can be moved and is not associated with any type of infection in the dog.

    Diagnosis

    • A veterinarian can confirm the diagnosis of a fatty tissue tumor by needle aspiration. This involves taking a sample of cells from the tumor and examining them underneath a microscope. If any of the cells appear abnormal and likely to be malignant, then the veterinarian may take a tissue sample from the dog for further examination.

    Treatment

    • The only way to get rid of a fatty tissue tumor in dogs is to surgically remove it. There are risks associated with anesthesia in dogs, so that is an important point to consider. Many veterinarians only surgically remove the tumor if it is very large or affects the dog's ability to move. Occasionally, fatty tissue tumors get large and may need to be removed. However, this type of tumor may grow back. Most veterinarians take measurements of the tumor and observe it for several months. If it does not grow larger, then no treatment is necessary.

    Considerations

    • Fatty tissue tumors are not dangerous and cause no symptoms in dogs. If your dog has a tumor and has symptoms, consult your veterinarian. The symptoms of canine cancer are enlarged lymph nodes; sores that do not heal; bleeding from the mouth, vagina, nose, rectum or urinary tract; difficulty eating; trouble breathing; difficulty urinating or defecating; loss of appetite; weight loss; lack of energy; lumps in the breast; or a difference in testicle size.