What is a Lipoma in dogs? Lipoma is a benign tumor of adipose (fat) tissue, very common in elderly and overweight dogs, rare in cats. To the touch it looks like a soft, rounded and mobile mass (it slides under the fingers), not anchored to the deep tissues. It is generally not painful and grows slowly. Although it is benign, it should be monitored to distinguish it from liposarcoma (malignant) or mast cell tumors. It can be multiple or infiltrating.
Why do lipomas form? The role of the liver
While traditional medicine cites genetics and age, the holistic view views lipoma as an attempt by the body to encapsulate toxins that the liver and kidneys cannot dispose of.
- If the “waste bin” (excretory organs) is full, the body stores the garbage in peripheral fat.
- The strategy: To reduce lipomas, it is not enough to act on the skin, it is necessary to purify the body and reduce inflammation.
Natural Remedies to manage and reduce Lipomas, my DETOX protocol
There is no “magic eraser”, but we can slow down growth and promote reabsorption through the detox program.
When is lipoma dangerous? (Infiltrating Lipoma)
TYPICAL SUBCUTANEOUS LIPOMA are soft, well-defined but variable in shape and size. They are not painful and are mobile under the skin.
INFILTRATING LIPOMA develop in deeper tissues or muscle tissues, tend to be firmer and are much less frequent. They are more invasive and painful
THE CAUSES
- Obesity
- Exposure to food and environmental toxins
- Breed predisposition
Predisposed breeds: German Shepherd, Dachshund, Miniature Schnauzer, Spaniel, Cocker, Doberman / Location: shoulders, limbs, abdomen, trunk.
Although benign (it does not metastasize), it is not encapsulated and “invades” the muscles and fascia, making surgery very difficult. In this case, early intervention or CT scan is necessary.
Lipoma in dogs and cats: food and environmental toxins
When the body can no longer excrete toxins through the kidneys and liver, it uses one of the largest excretory organs as a line of defense: THE SKIN! therefore it is very important to avoid all those substances that can increase the toxic load: pesticides, kibble with corn, soy and cereals, drugs.
TOXINS CAN BE
- Inhale
- Ingested
- Absorbed (contact)
Frequently Asked Questions about Lipomas
How to get a dog to dissolve a lipoma?
They cannot be “dissolved” quickly without surgery. However, by improving your metabolism with a low-carb diet and using supplements such as Turmeric and Milk Thistle, you can stunt growth and in some cases see it reduce over time.
If I crush a lipoma, does something come out?
No, and you never have to! A lipoma is solid tissue (fat), it is not a cyst filled with fluid or sebum. Crushing it only causes pain, inflammation, and potentially breaks down internal tissues.
Can dog lipoma burst?
The lipoma itself does not burst. If it becomes very large, however, the skin that covers it can thin and ulcerate by rubbing against the floor or paws, risking infection. In that case it must be removed.
Is lipoma in dogs dangerous?
In most cases, the lipoma is a benign and non-metastasizing mass.
However, it can become a problem if it grows a lot, if it is located in a delicate location or if it is an infiltrative form that invades the surrounding tissues.
When should a lipoma be removed from the dog?
Removal is considered when the lipoma causes discomfort, restricts movement, grows rapidly, or creates significant cosmetic problems for the owner.
The decision is always made after a veterinary examination and, ideally, after a mass examination.
How is lipoma diagnosed?
The most widely used test is fine needle aspiration, which allows some cells to be taken from the nodule and observed under a microscope.
Depending on the result, your veterinarian may recommend further investigations or plan the most suitable treatment.
Can lipoma in dogs “become malignant”?
Lipoma is, by definition, a benign tumor and does not turn into a malignant tumor.
However, there are malignant tumors of adipose tissue (such as liposarcoma) that can resemble a lipoma, which is why diagnostic confirmation is important.
Infiltrative lipoma and deep sites
In the case of infiltrative or deep-localized lipoma, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach is more complex.
In some cases, it may be necessary to combine more extensive surgery, advanced imaging and, in selected situations, other complementary therapies.
Daily life of the dog with a lipoma
Many dogs live with stable lipomas for years without any discomfort.
The owner’s attention to monitoring size, consistency and possible changes is essential to detect any abnormal evolutions at an early stage.
Lipoma Treatment Options in Dogs
Not all lipomas require active treatment.
The strategy depends on the size, location, any symptoms and general condition of the dog.
Clinical monitoring
For small, painless lipomas in non-problematic sites, the choice can be a simple monitoring over time.
In these cases, the veterinarian may recommend periodic check-ups with measurement of the nodule and assessment of the general condition.
Traditional surgical removal
Surgery is still the most widely used treatment for lipomas that:
- They grow a lot
- create discomfort for the dog
- are located in critical sites (e.g. armpits, groin, regions that hinder movement)
The surgery is planned by evaluating age, any concomitant pathologies and the type of anesthesia most suitable for the individual patient.
Minimally invasive techniques and emerging approaches
In recent years, less invasive approaches than traditional surgery have been experimented, such as:
- liposuction or aspiration of the lipoma contents
- intralesional injections (e.g. corticosteroids, other substances)
- physical techniques such as cryotherapy or other forms of local ablation
These methods are not always superimposable on surgery and may have specific indications and limitations, which is why they must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Disclaimer: The Contents Are For Informational Purposes Only And Under No Circumstances Can They Constitute A Prescription Of A Treatment Or Substitute For A Specialist Visit Or Direct Relationship With Your Veterinarian/Doctor. All information reported here is derived from bibliographic sources, personal experiences and clinical studies in the public domain. All information on special diets and dietary supplements for pets is for informational purposes. This information serves as a general guideline, cannot be applied to all pets or considered as an alternative to professional advice. These pages include “Homeopathic preparations of non-scientifically validated efficacy and without approved therapeutic indications. The products are not intended as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and must be used as part of a healthy lifestyle. Disclaimer and terms
