Symptoms of Dog Lipoma: Identifying and Managing Fat Tu

Dog Lipoma Symptoms

Lipomas are solitary or multiple, freely movable lumps with welldefined borders, having a domeshaped to multifoliate appearance, and can be soft or firm to the touch. When you press firmly on the base of a lipoma, you may notice its lobulated shape, and the skin over it might exhibit a "orange peel" texture. Occasionally, these tumors can appear large and soft with indistinct borders, potentially infiltrating the underlying muscle, tendons, and fascia (infiltrative lipoma), although this is not common. Lipomas are most frequently found in the chest, abdomen, and limbs. They grow very slowly and usually have no serious adverse effects on the body, with malignancy being rare.

Causes of Dog Lipoma

1. Diet

Dogs that consume a diet high in meat or those who eat too much meat are more prone to developing lipomas compared to those on a standard dog food diet. Moreover, these dogs tend to be more overweight.

2. Metabolism

Older dogs may experience rapid skin aging and a decline in metabolic capacity, making them more susceptible to various growths, with lipomas being a common occurrence.

How to Manage Dog Lipomas

1. Generally, if a dog has a benign lipoma that does not affect its health, does not interfere with movement, and the size remains unchanged, it may not require any intervention.

2. It is not advisable to apply topical medications, as they may not be effective for benign lipomas and could potentially stimulate the growth of the lipoma.

3. If the lipoma grows rapidly over a short period, it is best to consult a veterinarian for advice.

4. For lipomas that affect appearance or grow quickly, surgical removal may be considered.

Owners should not worry excessively if their dog develops a lipoma. It's important to monitor the size of the lipoma. If it grows significantly in a short period, such as from a grain of rice to the size of a coin within a week or two, it's best to have it checked by a veterinarian. Benign tumors typically do not grow rapidly, and a period of observation can help determine if the lipoma is benign.