Don’t freak out if you see a lump on your dog’s neck, chest, leg, or back that appeared over night. Many dog owners worry that their dog has cancer, but before you assume the worst, make an appointment with your veterinarian to check the lump. It may be a lipoma.
Approximately 16% of dogs have a lipoma, a common type of tumor. It’s important to understand that although the word “tumor” may sound frightening, these abnormal growths are typically harmless benign fat buildups.
Everything you need to know about canine lipomas, including removal costs, treatment options, and more, will be covered in this article.
With pet insurance, you can worry less about the cost of vet visits and have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses spent on covered medical conditions. Pro Tip: Unsure whether to take your dog to the vet to have a lump checked out?
We are implementing the advised safety measures in response to the recent COVID-19 epidemic. We are providing curb-side service. The majority of interactions with patients and doctors will take place over the phone, a Zoom meeting, FaceTime, or other platform. In an effort to reduce human contact, pets that require surgery or other treatments/diagnoses will be transferred from you to our staff, usually in the parking lot. Please be patient with the process to ensure everyone’s security.
What Causes These Fatty Tumors in Dogs?
A lipoma is basically an overgrowth of fat cells. Although they are more common in overweight dogs, lipomas can occasionally develop in fit dogs as well. It’s possible that dogs who have been neutered or spayed may be slightly more likely to develop fatty tumors. Fortunately, most lipomas are benign, which means they rarely have cancer and don’t metastasize (spread to other tissues). However, fatty tumors that develop in areas like the groin or armpit and restrict your dog’s movement can be problematic due to their size.
What causes this type of tumor?
It is not clear why a specific pet might develop this, or any tumor or cancer. Very few tumors and cancers have a single known cause. The majority appear to be brought on by a complicated medley of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary.
FAQ
When should lipomas be removed from dogs?
It is best to remove these masses when they are small because the procedure is typically less invasive and your pet will experience less pain and discomfort from the incision. Surgery may become more challenging for your veterinarian and your pet as lipomas continue to grow.
Should I take my dog to the vet for a lipoma?
Make an appointment with your veterinarian if you notice a new lump on your dog or if you see that an existing lump is expanding quickly. In order to determine whether the mass is a lipoma or another type of tumor, he or she will probably perform a fine needle aspiration.
Can you leave a lipoma on a dog?
Treatment for Lipomas in Dogs Lipomas typically pose no threat to your dog unless they are uncomfortable in size or are located in an awkward area, so there is usually no need to treat them. Most lipomas grow slowly, so there is less pressure to decide quickly whether to have surgery to remove them if you are unsure.
How much does it cost to remove a lipoma in a dog?
Costs for Canine Lipoma Removal: Each mass-specific lipoma removal procedure typically costs between $200 and $600. This cost may increase to at least $1,000 if the problematic lipoma is situated in a more difficult-to-reach area of the body, such as intramuscularly or on an internal organ.