Dog Subcutaneous Lipoma Symptoms

The symptoms of dog subcutaneous lipomas usually manifest as independent tumors under the skin, which grow slowly, vary in size, are light in texture, have a pseudovascular appearance, are easily broken, have little bleeding, and take a round, nodular, or irregular lobulated shape, usually occurring in the chest, back, and proximal limbs. Touching the tumor usually reveals a protrusion with a clear edge. If a tumor appears under your dog's skin, it is recommended to take the dog to a veterinary hospital for pathological examination to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

Comparison of Benign and Malignant Lipomas in Dogs
First, the growth rate of the tumor. Benign tumors generally grow slowly, while malignant lipomas can rapidly expand in a short period of time.
Next, the shape of the tumor. If the edge of the tumor is clear and the shape is regular, it is most likely a benign tumor. Conversely, if the tumor shape is irregular, the edge is not clear, and the surface is uneven, it is generally a malignant tumor.
Lastly, if the tumor becomes necrotic, it is also likely a malignant tumor.

Lipomas growing on the skin surface are usually benign, and dog owners don't need to be overly concerned. However, the best way to confirm this is to take the dog to a veterinary hospital for a biopsy, which will determine if the lipoma is benign.

How to Treat Dog Lipomas

Treatment for dog lipomas includes conservative therapy and surgical resection. First, if the dog's lipoma is large or growing rapidly, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian as soon as possible to remove the lipoma. The prognosis for lipomas after surgery is generally good. Secondly, if the dog's lipoma is small and does not affect appearance, it is generally chosen not to intervene. Instead, reduce the amount of fat in the dog's daily diet and increase the dog's exercise appropriately.

What Happens if a Dog Has a Lipoma but It Isn't Removed

Lipomas are generally benign tumors, so not removing them will not pose a life-threatening risk to the dog under normal circumstances. However, the specific situation depends on the size and location of the lipoma. If the lipoma grows in a place that compresses important organs or is very large and affects the dog's normal life, it is recommended to remove it as soon as possible to avoid secondary complications or affect the dog's quality of life.