Lipomas are benign fatty tumors most often occurring subcutaneously. These tumors are usually considered a cosmetic rather than health issue in dogs. Surgical removal is recommended only if the tumor becomes large enough to interfere with the animal's activities. While occurring most often in dogs, they do occasionally occur in cats.
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Diagnosing Lipomas
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Lipomas are usually first discovered during the grooming of the animal. Owners generally find a round, soft and movable growth under the skin. The animal usually doesn't exhibit any sign of distress when the tumor is palpated. Veterinarian diagnosis is accomplished by sampling the tumor with a fine needle and performing a biopsy.
Canine Diets for Lipomas
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According to holisticpetinfo.com, there may be ties between lipomas and a high-carbohydrate diet in dogs. Wild canines consume little vegetable matter and survive largely on raw meats. Martin Goldstein, DVM, author of the book "The Nature of Animal Healing," suggests that the high-carbohydrate formula of commercial dog foods causes dogs to lose the ability to metabolize fat, resulting in the fatty tumors. He advises feeding a diet as close as possible to the diet wild dogs eat.
Shawn Messonier, DVM and author of "Eight Weeks to a Healthy Dog," recommends strengthening the dog's immune system with herbs such as alfalfa, burdock, goldenseal and thistle to help prevent or treat lipomas.
Holistic treatment of dogs should always be guided by consultations with homeopathic veterinarians.
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