Homeopathic Remedy Fatty Tumor in a Dog

Fatty tumors or lipomas crop up on middle-aged or older dogs as benign swellings, and are characterized as abnormal fat-cell growth, according to Lori Corriveau, DVM, of Purdue University. While conventional medicine doesn't treat lipomas as a serious medical condition, the fact that the dog has any type of growth concerns holistic practitioners, even though fatty tumors can't become cancerous.

  1. Lipomas vs Lipsarcomas

    • Dog owners who observe unusual bumps or lumps on their dog should have the animal checked out by a vet to rule out that the growth isn't a cancerous liposarcoma. Veterinarians extract cells from the tumor to screen for malignant cells. Even if your dog is cancer-free, you'll need to take action for a number of reasons.

    Surgery or Homeopathy?

    • If the fatty tumor is located in an area of mobility like the armpit, surgically removing the tumor might be your best option to improve your dog's quality of life. However, surgery does not treat the underlying issue. In fact, it can exacerbate the proliferation of tumors in some dogs, says holistic veterinarian, Dr. Michael Dym, much like pruning a rose bush does not stop buds from blooming but rather increases new bud growth. Homeopathic treatment can slow the production of lipomas.

    Vaccines and Poor Digestion

    • Lipomas indicate abnormal cell activity in the body, a reaction to repeated vaccination year after year, or a symptom of poor fat digestion, according to "Whole Dog Journal." Since the immune system sends out "killer cells" to seek and destroy abnormal cells, strengthening the immune system of a dog with fatty tumors makes good sense. Holistic vets usually treat with homeopathic remedy, Thuja. However, warns Dr. Dym, it's imperative that you work with a homeopathic veterinarian who will observe the whole picture of your dog's health and treatment; the incorrect treatment can activate symptoms you're trying to resolve.

    Low Carbohydrate Diet Helps

    • "Whole Dog Journal" recommends feeding a low- or no-carbohydrate diet, setting a solid foundation for overall improved health. Holistic vets prefer a meat-based diet in proper portions over kibble packed with grains. Grains overload a dog's system and don't metabolize well, says "Whole Dog Journal."

    Digestive Enzymes

    • Poor digestion is the root of the fatty tumor dilemma, so supplementing your dog's diet with digestive enzymes that contain ox bile will help emulsify fats, and can even shrink or hinder tumor growth.