Have you just discovered a "lump" on your dog and concerned that it may be cancer? Chances are it may simply be a benign fatty tumor called lipoma. However, you should have you vet take a look. He can usually determine if it is a fatty tumor by aspirating with a needle and sending the results to a pathologist, or by reviewing the slide himself. Many times he can tell simply by feel.

These tumors are common among dogs most usually occurring in older and overweight dogs. Obese female dogs seem to have more frequent occurrences. While the fatty tumor can be found almost anywhere on the body they are usually on the chest and legs. They are usually slow growing and tend to appear more frequently as the dog ages. While the tumor itself may not be harmful it could become debilitating for the dog if located on joints or between the legs.

If the vet confirms the growth as a fatty tumor (lipoma) it should only be removed if it impedes the dog's mobility or causes pain. Fatty tumors, when removed, have the tendency of returning and can result in more and more such tumors,

If the tumor starts to increase in size take the dog back to the vet for another consultation and exam - it could now be liposarcoma, the more dangerous cancer form of lipoma.

The consensus is to:

• Have your vet confirm the tumor is a fatty tumor (lipoma);
• continue to monitor the tumor;
• watch for new tumors;
• return to the vet if the original tumor changes size or shape or if new tumors appear

Written by Ron Lueth, Pet Guardian Angels of America This work may be shared through the Creative Common License only if attributed to Pet Guardian Angels of America at http://www.pgaa.com

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