Dogs
It is not uncommon for overweight dogs to develop lumps in their bodies. Sometimes, these lumps may be malignant. That's why, as a dog owner, you have to carefully check his body on a regular basis for any abnormal tissue growth. Fatty tumors are usually not a major cause of concern for pet owners as most of the time, they turn out to be benign. Though fatty lumps are a common occurrence in canines, you need to get your pet checked by an experienced vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Characteristics
Fatty tumors are also known as lipomas. These are benign tumors that are formed as a result of uncontrolled cell division. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. They are not painful and do not cause irritation or redness of the skin. They occur, most commonly, in the upper legs or in the belly region. In rare cases, a dog may develop what is known as infiltrative lipoma. These lipomas invade the surrounding tissues to a greater extent than the simple lipomas and are known to have regrown in 50% of the cases in which they had been removed surgically. Although all dog breeds can develop fatty tumors, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers and dogs of mixed breed have been found to be more prone to fatty tumors.
Diagnosis
You need to take your pet to the veterinarian the moment you find a lumpy growth in any part of the canine's body. Avoid making your own conclusions about the tumor. Let the vet examine the lump and determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. In order to do that, a vet may carry out a palpation of the growth. He may further suggest a fine needle aspirate or biopsy to confirm if it is a lipoma. Once confirmed that it is a fatty tumor, it is important to monitor its growth. This should be done at regular interval of two weeks. The size of the tumor should be filed away with proper dates for future reference.
Treatment
Most vets do not suggest surgical removal of these tumors unless it is absolutely necessary because of the risk associated with the use of anesthesia and complications due to surgery. These risks are often not worth being taken considering the benign nature of these lumps. However, the veterinarian may surgically remove the tumor because of the following problems:
Herbs like alfalfa, dandelion root, garlic and milk thistle strengthen the immune system and are helpful in managing all types of tumors in dogs. In case of tumors that grow fast and become invasive, radiation therapy may be required.
Fatty tumors rarely pose danger to a dog's health. However, this statement should not be interpreted as dismissing every lump on your dog's body. The moment you detect a tumorous growth on your dog, get it diagnosed by a vet. Besides taking one's dog to the vet when an abnormality is detected, regular visit to the vet is an important component of dog care. Another point to be considered is that these treatment options may or may not work on some canines. That's why, it is best to leave the decision on the veterinarian whom you trust.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
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Dogs
Fatty Tumors in Dogs
It is not uncommon for overweight dogs to develop lumps in their bodies. Sometimes, these lumps may be malignant. That's why, as a dog owner, you have to carefully check his body on a regular basis for any abnormal tissue growth. Fatty tumors are usually not a major cause of concern for pet owners as most of the time, they turn out to be benign. Though fatty lumps are a common occurrence in canines, you need to get your pet checked by an experienced vet for an accurate diagnosis.
Characteristics
Fatty tumors are also known as lipomas. These are benign tumors that are formed as a result of uncontrolled cell division. These tumors do not spread to other parts of the body. They are not painful and do not cause irritation or redness of the skin. They occur, most commonly, in the upper legs or in the belly region. In rare cases, a dog may develop what is known as infiltrative lipoma. These lipomas invade the surrounding tissues to a greater extent than the simple lipomas and are known to have regrown in 50% of the cases in which they had been removed surgically. Although all dog breeds can develop fatty tumors, Labrador Retrievers, Doberman Pinschers, Miniature Schnauzers and dogs of mixed breed have been found to be more prone to fatty tumors.
Diagnosis
You need to take your pet to the veterinarian the moment you find a lumpy growth in any part of the canine's body. Avoid making your own conclusions about the tumor. Let the vet examine the lump and determine if the tumor is benign or malignant. In order to do that, a vet may carry out a palpation of the growth. He may further suggest a fine needle aspirate or biopsy to confirm if it is a lipoma. Once confirmed that it is a fatty tumor, it is important to monitor its growth. This should be done at regular interval of two weeks. The size of the tumor should be filed away with proper dates for future reference.
Treatment
Most vets do not suggest surgical removal of these tumors unless it is absolutely necessary because of the risk associated with the use of anesthesia and complications due to surgery. These risks are often not worth being taken considering the benign nature of these lumps. However, the veterinarian may surgically remove the tumor because of the following problems:
- If the tumor is getting increasing in size.
- If the lipoma is suddenly growing bigger after remaining benign for a long time.
- If it has become hard or beginning to look lumpier.
- If it in any way obstructs the movement of the pet. For example, if the fatty tumor is present on the paw of the dog, and he is finding it difficult to move around.
- If the pet is biting the lump, causing it to become infectious.
Herbs like alfalfa, dandelion root, garlic and milk thistle strengthen the immune system and are helpful in managing all types of tumors in dogs. In case of tumors that grow fast and become invasive, radiation therapy may be required.
Fatty tumors rarely pose danger to a dog's health. However, this statement should not be interpreted as dismissing every lump on your dog's body. The moment you detect a tumorous growth on your dog, get it diagnosed by a vet. Besides taking one's dog to the vet when an abnormality is detected, regular visit to the vet is an important component of dog care. Another point to be considered is that these treatment options may or may not work on some canines. That's why, it is best to leave the decision on the veterinarian whom you trust.
Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
- What Are Sebaceous Tumors, And Is Your Dog At Risk?
By Suzanne Alicie If you have dogs, you’ve probably heard what sounds like a terribly frightening name for a condition that is common in dogs. Sebaceous tumors are known by a few different names: sebaceous gland cysts, sebaceous cysts, benign sebaceous...
- Lipoma Removal In Dogs
Lipoma is a soft and pliable concentration of fat below the dog's skin which can occur in varied sizes. These are not painful and very rarely, can become harmful for dog's health. Lipoma are commonly found in older and overweight dogs, though...
- Mast Cell Tumors In Dogs
Mast cell tumors in dogs (mastocytoma) is one of the most common form of tumors found that a dog can be afflicted with. These tumors grow out of the mast cells which are present in the tissues of the body. Mast cell tumors also affect a lot of other...
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There are primarily two types of lumps, they are benign lumps, which are not cancerous and malignant lumps which are cancerous. Like any other dog illness, it is important that you pay close attention to any lumps that appear on your dog. Keep a...
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Cancer is just as deadly in dogs as it is in humans. It is one of the frequently encountered canine health problems, especially in older dogs. Tumors are swellings of the neoplastic cells that may or may not be signs of cancer. Tumors can either...