What Causes Lipomas in Dogs

What is a Lipoma in Dogs?

Lipomas in dogs are a common benign tumor of the soft tissues, consisting primarily of mature fat cells. These tumors usually form in the subcutaneous tissue and can appear anywhere in your dog, but are most commonly found in the area between the skin and muscle. Lipomas are soft in texture, mobile in most cases, and painless. While lipomas themselves do not usually pose an immediate threat to your dog's health, they can grow over time and can sometimes interfere with your dog's comfort or function due to their size or location. In some cases, your veterinarian may recommend removal of a lipoma to prevent potential complications or for cosmetic reasons. 

What are the Common Symptoms of Lipomas in Dogs?

Common Symptoms of Lipoma in Dogs

• Single or multiple lumps

Dogs may develop one or more lipomas, which are usually round or oval in shape.

• Soft and mobile

Lipomas are soft enough to slide under the skin, and they usually don't stick when compared to surrounding tissue.

• Slow-growing

Lipomas are usually slow-growing and some may remain the same size for a long time.

• Non-Painful

Most lipomas do not cause pain in dogs unless they are pressing on nerves or restricting movement.

• Variety of Locations

Lipomas can form anywhere, but are commonly found in areas such as the chest, abdomen, legs and armpits.

If you notice a new lump on your dog or a change in the size, shape or color of an existing lump, you should contact your veterinarian for an examination to rule out malignancy or other potential health problems.

How to Differentiate Lipomas from Other Types of Tumors in Dogs

Dog lipomas can be distinguished from other types of tumors through a series of clinical examinations and diagnostic tests. Here are a few methods used to distinguish lipomas from other tumors.

• Palpation Characteristics

Lipomas are usually round or oval, soft to the touch, can move under the skin, have smooth margins and are well demarcated from the surrounding tissue.

• Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy (FNAB)

This is a commonly used diagnostic tool that can help identify the nature of a tumor by using a fine needle to take a sample of the tumor for cytological analysis. Cells from lipomas usually show mature adipocyte features.

• Imaging

such as X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRIs can provide information about the size, shape, and location of the tumor. Lipomas usually appear as well-defined structures with uniform internal echoes on ultrasound, while other types of tumors may have different imaging characteristics.

• Histopathologic Evaluation

If the FNAB results are inconclusive, surgical removal of some or all of the tumor and histopathology may be necessary. This is the gold standard and allows the tumor type to be determined by looking at the morphology and arrangement of the tumor cells under a microscope.

• Immunohistochemical Staining

This technique detects the expression of specific proteins in tumor cells to help further classify the tumor. Lipoma cells usually express specific adipocyte markers.

• Clinical Signs and Symptoms

Lipomas are usually painless, slow-growing masses, whereas malignant tumors may grow more rapidly with pain or other symptoms. Your veterinarian will consider a possible diagnosis based on the behavior of the tumor and the overall health of your dog.

By combining the results of these tests, your veterinarian will be able to accurately differentiate between lipomas and other types of tumors so that an appropriate treatment plan can be developed.

What Causes Lipomas in Dogs?

Dog lipomas are a common benign tumor of the soft tissues and they usually consist of mature fat cells. Although the exact cause is unknown, research suggests that a variety of factors may be involved in their development. These factors include genetic predisposition, age, gender, breed, and potential environmental triggers.

1. Genetics: Genetic predisposition to lipomas in dogs does affect their incidence. Studies have shown that certain breeds of dogs are more prone to developing lipomas, which may be linked to genetic factors. For example, breeds such as Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers are thought to have a higher incidence of lipomas. This genetic predisposition may be due to specific genetic variants that affect the process of fat tissue development and differentiation in dogs, thereby increasing the risk of lipoma formation.

2. Age: Lipomas are more common in older dogs, typically those over 8 years of age.

3. Obesity: Although thin dogs can also develop lipomas, overweight dogs seem more prone to these fatty lumps.

4. Diet: A high-fat diet may affect the composition of the intestinal flora, which in turn affects the dog's metabolic and inflammatory response, and these changes may be associated with the formation of lipomas. 

5. Toxins: Some experts suggest that environmental toxins may play a role, as the body might store toxins in fat, which could result in fatty tumor formation.

6. Hormonal imbalances: Certain hormonal issues, like hypothyroidism, may also contribute to the development of lipomas.

While lipomas are usually harmless, they can grow large and interfere with movement or comfort. In such cases, surgical removal might be necessary.

What is the Treatment for Lipomas in Dogs?

1.Surgical removal

This is the most commonly used treatment for most lipomas, especially those tumors that grow rapidly or interfere with your dog's activities. 

2.Medication

While medication is not preferred, it may be used to control tumor growth in certain cases, such as when a dog is not a candidate for surgery or has multiple lipomas.

3.Non-Invasive Treatments

Including laser therapy and cryotherapy, these methods are designed to reduce the size of the tumor without the need for surgery and are suitable for dogs at high risk for surgery. 

Effectiveness of Laser Therapy in Lipoma in Dogs

Laser therapy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a high-energy beam of light is precisely applied to the lipoma, causing it to coagulate and eventually be absorbed by the body. This treatment typically offers less bleeding and a faster recovery time. In dog lipoma treatment, laser therapy may help reduce post-operative discomfort and speed up the healing process. However, the success of laser treatment may depend on the size and location of the lipoma as well as the overall health of the dog.

Effectiveness of Cryotherapy in Dog Lipomas
Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation or liquid nitrogen therapy, utilizes extremely low temperatures to destroy lipoma cells. This method removes tumors with minimal trauma and is used in areas that cannot easily be removed through traditional surgery. Benefits of cryotherapy include reducing post-operative pain and promoting a quick recovery. However, just like laser treatment, the effectiveness of cryotherapy can be affected by lipoma characteristics and individual differences in dogs.

4.Watchful waiting

• The reasons why some lipomas are not recommended for surgical removal are usually related to their location, size, number, and the overall health of the dog. If the lipoma is located in a sensitive area within the dog's body or in close proximity to vital organs, the risk of surgery may be high. Additionally, if the dog is older or suffers from other chronic medical conditions, the risks of anesthesia and surgery increase accordingly. In these cases, your veterinarian may recommend watchful waiting and regular monitoring of the size of the lipoma and your dog's health rather than immediate surgery. 
• In deciding whether to proceed with surgery, your veterinarian will consider the potential risks of the lipoma and your dog's quality of life. If the lipoma is causing the dog discomfort or is at risk of malignancy, surgery may be recommended even if the risk of surgery is high. Conversely, if the lipoma is not causing significant symptoms and the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits, surgical removal may not be recommended.

When choosing a treatment plan, your veterinarian will consider the characteristics of the lipoma and its potential impact on your dog's health. Treatment should be tailored to your dog's specific situation to ensure optimal results and your dog's comfort.

Also Read: How to Shrink A Dog Lipoma Naturally

What to Do To Prevent Recurrence After Surgical Removal Of Lipoma In Dogs?

• Complete removal of the tumor

Ensure that the surgical procedure removes the tumor and some of the normal tissue around it as thoroughly as possible to reduce the risk of residual cancer cells.

• Regular review

Even if the surgery is successful, you should bring your dog back to the clinic for regular checkups and imaging tests so that any signs of recurrence can be detected in time.

• Healthy Diet

Provide a balanced and nutritious  diet to help maintain the health of your dog's immune system so that it can better fight off the development of cancer.

• Weight Management

Maintain your dog's ideal weight; being overweight may increase the risk of lipoma.

• Avoidance of known cancer-causing factors

Minimize your dog's exposure to known environmental carcinogens such as certain chemicals and radiation.

• Genetic counseling

If your dog belongs to certain breeds that are prone to lipomas, consider genetic counseling to learn about family history and take appropriate precautions.

Follow your veterinarian's professional guidance and develop a personalized prevention plan to minimize the likelihood of lipoma recurrence.

How to Reduce Dog's Risk of Lipoma with Daily Care?

Maintain a balanced diet

Ensure that your dog consumes the right amount of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates and avoid excessive calorie intake, as obesity is a risk factor for the development of lipomas.

Exercise regularly

A moderate amount of physical activity will help maintain your dog's ideal weight and reduce the accumulation of fatty tissue.

Regular Physical Examination

Health problems that may promote the growth of lipomas can be detected early and addressed through regular veterinary checkups.

Avoid known carcinogens

Limit your dog's exposure to chemicals known to cause cancer, such as certain plasticizers and pesticides.

The above measures can help improve your dog's overall health, which may reduce the incidence of lipomas. However, it is important to note that even with these preventative measures, dogs may still develop lipomas, as the exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood. Therefore, it is very important to closely monitor your dog's physical changes and follow your veterinarian's recommendations.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, lipomas in dogs are benign fatty tumors influenced by various factors, including genetics, age, and diet. While most lipomas are harmless, maintaining a healthy weight, offering a balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups can help manage and monitor them. If a lipoma grows too large or affects your dog’s quality of life, consulting with a veterinarian for potential treatment options is essential. Recognizing the causes can help pet owners take proactive steps to ensure their dogs remain comfortable and healthy.

Related: What To Do If Your Dog Has Crusty Bumps