Learning more about lipomas

Learning more about lipomas


If your pooch is aging, you may have noticed soft lumps forming under her skin. Chances are, they’re benign fatty tumors — but don’t just assume that’s the case.

It’s true that most lipomas are usually harmless masses that are soft, moveable and nonpainful — even if they get pretty big. However, a definitive diagnosis isn’t based on touch and visual inspection alone.

That’s because less often, infiltrative lipomas penetrate soft tissues and cause significant problems. They might even originate at deeper levels, requiring CT scan or other advanced imaging tests for identification.

So, if you notice a lump on your dog, schedule a clinical evaluation. Your veterinarian can use a needle and syringe to suction a few cells for microscopic examination, which helps determine if the lump needs to be surgically removed.

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