My dog has a fatty tumor. Is there any way to “get rid of it” other than surgery? Dissolve or otherwise. (She had the tumor tested and it is a fatty tumor-benign).
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My dog has a fatty tumor. Is there any way to “get rid of it” other than surgery? Dissolve or otherwise. (She had the tumor tested and it is a fatty tumor-benign).
The ONLY way to get rid of them is surgical excision. In my practice I see these almost daily. I NEVER recommend surgical removal unless they are causing a problem…..which they rarely do.
Mike Keem, DVM
Aurora Pet Hospital
East Aurora, NY
Diet can be a large factor in the development of these fatty tumors. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. A nutritional consult could be a start.
Marybeth Minter, DVM
Mariposa Mobile Veterinary Service
Kelly, WY
Unfortunately surgery is the only option. Weight loss will not help, neither can it be drained. It is best to remove them when they are small as the surgery will not be as invasive. They don’t have to be removed unless they are in a location that will interfere with the pets range of motion.
Some pets develop them and they don’t change in size significantly so there is no need to remove them, unless the pet will be under anesthesia for another procedure. If the lipoma is enlarging it is best to go ahead and remove it before it gets too large.
Just make sure your pet has a good physical exam and blood work prior to anesthesia.
Good Luck,
Dr. Evans, DVM
Caring For Life, Inc.
Cocoa, FL
In short, the answer is “NO”. The good news is that the lipoma is one of the least likely of all tumors to become to be malignant. I have seen them stay for years and not change. However, there is also no limit to how large they can get. If it is growing or is in a difficult location, for your pet’s sake, have it removed.
Kristan K. Hodges, DVM
Surgery is the only way to remove.
Many, if not most, of these can be safely ignored.
Phillip McHugh, DVM
Park Veterinary Hospital
Durham, NC
I recommend seeking out a veterinarian with training in TCVM (Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine). Most of them will be acupuncturists or herbologists. So called “benign” lipomas are considered to be one manifestation of what TCVM calls “phlegm” and are often a signal of an underlying issue. A vet with this type of training may be able to help.
Dr. Michelle Williams
The Whole Point House Call Vet
Knoxville, TN
Great information 🙂