Why are fatty tumors so common in dogs

Your veterinarian can evaluate the size and appearance of your pet's growth at each subsequent examination and stay alert, well in advance, if surgery becomes necessary. With a little extra care, you make sure that your pet lives a long, happy, healthy life.

Clinical Signs:Lipomas appear as bulges under the skin which range in size from pea-sized to wide masses spanning a section of the abdomen or chest wall. They usually feel somewhat spongy and are freely moveable under the skin. They may grow very slowly, or not at all once they appear. You should always carefully monitor any mass or tumor on your pet鈥檚 body, including lipomas.

Have your pet examined by a veterinarian, if any of the following occurs:

The tumor is growing rapidly.

The tumor, after a long period of no growth, has suddenly started to grow again.

The tumor begins to change its appearance. It was formerly soft and now is hard. Or was formerly smooth and circular and now is beginning to grow nodular and lumpy.

The tumor is beginning to interfere with walking or movement, which may happen if the lump is near the hip or elbow.

The tumor is in a location where any growth will cause it to either be difficult or impossible to remove such as on the paw or leg.

Your pet is biting at the tumor and causing it to become infected or bleed.

In these cases, your veterinarian will probably suggest that the tumor be either biopsied or removed altogether.