Dog Lipomas: Can They Burst or Be Removed? Our Vet Explains

Lipomas in dogs are what we vets would consider good lumps. They may grow, but they don’t spread, and they generally don’t cause any problems. Generally. There are times that dog lipomas can grow big enough to cause problems or can grow in areas that create discomfort. It’s these cases that vets may consider removing a lipoma.

Overview of Lipoma in Dogs

Lipomas are common benign growths in dogs that often catch the attention of pet owners. These soft, encapsulated masses form under the skin and are generally slow-growing. While its natural to be concerned if you notice one, it’s important to recognize that lipomas are usually harmless and don’t necessarily require immediate medical intervention. However, following a proper diagnosis, monitoring their size and any changes in appearance is recommended.

Be sure to have all new or changing growths and lumps diagnosed by a veterinarian. Even if you’re certain the lump is a lipoma, it’s best to be safe.

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Can a lipoma burst?

When a lump on a dog’s skin bursts, it’s because it’s filled with blood, pus, or decaying tissue and under pressure. None of these are the case in lipomas. They are not known to burst in the same way some other masses or skin issues might (for example, cysts can burst). Lipomas tend to remain comfortably contained within their capsule under the skin.

That being said, in some rare circumstances, a lipoma may become irritated, inflamed, and painful. This is usually after an injury or damage to the area, or if the lipoma is in an area of the body where it causes discomfort, such as the armpit. Under these remote circumstances, the damage or discomfort may be enough to lead to a wound or rupture of some kind that needs veterinary intervention immediately.

Even if a lipoma is suspected or diagnosed, it’s important to keep an eye on any changes in its appearance, as sudden alterations could indicate other issues that warrant veterinary attention.

Should I have a lipoma on my dog removed?

The decision about whether or not a lipoma should be removed, depends on a variety of factors. Your dog’s veterinarian will be able to help you decide if it’s a priority or not. Here are some reasons you might opt for removal:

• Size and discomfort: Large lipomas can press against muscles or organs, or even impede a joint’s ability to move naturally, leading to discomfort or mobility issues. Masses in inconvenient locations must be monitored closely, and should be removed before they get large enough to cause an issue.
• Rapid growth or change: If the lipoma starts growing quickly or undergoes visual changes, it might indicate an issue with the mass or the presence of something more malignant than a lipoma. In this case, removal is recommended as soon as possible.
• Concerns about malignancy: While lipomas are usually benign, it’s essential to rule out the concealed presence of malignancy through removal or biopsy, especially if they exhibit unusual characteristics.
• Risk of ulceration or infection: Lipomas that are prone to rubbing against surfaces, or that present with any kind of damage, might become ulcerated or infected. This warrants removal to prevent complications.

Distinguishing lipomas from other masses

While lipomas are sometimes easy to recognize, it’s also possible for a fat layer to develop over top of a more malignant type of mass., giving the appearance of a lipoma with something more sinister lurking.

There are also some non-malignant lumps and abnormalities that can mimic what one might think of as a lipoma. It’s important to differentiate between lipomas and these other abnormalities since they share some characteristics. Here are some examples:

1. Cysts: Cysts are often softer than lipomas and can contain fluid. Unlike lipomas, cysts have the potential to burst when full and under pressure. When the cyst becomes over-filled, or bursts, it can cause discomfort and requires medical attention.
2. Abscesses: Abscesses are painful, inflamed masses usually caused by infection. Some abscesses form deep under layers of skin, and appear at first as soft movable lumps. Abscesses are often painful though, and may be warm to the touch due to infection. Abscesses burst easily (and often) and require prompt veterinary care.
3. Hematomas: Hematomas form as a result of injury or abnormality that causes bleeding under the skin. Hematomas on the ear flap are the most common, however they can appear just about anywhere as a result of trauma. They create a firm lump under the skin that may mimic the feeling of a lipoma, but they may be painful and often present with bruising too. Hematomas must be drained in order to heal properly, and it’s possible for large hematomas to rupture if left untreated. If a hematoma ruptures it will be very bloody, and there will likely be clots. This blood is from damaged blood vessels and immediate veterinary attention is necessary to avoid excessive blood loss.

When to Visit the Vet

While lipomas are generally harmless, it’s crucial to involve a veterinarian when you notice a new lump, and to work with your dog’s veterinarian to monitor for the following even after a diagnosis:

• If you notice rapid growth or significant changes in the lump’s appearance.
• If the lump causes discomfort, pain, or interferes with your dog’s mobility.
• If the lump becomes red, inflamed, or shows signs of infection.
• If your dog repeatedly licks, scratches, or bites the lump, as this could lead to ulceration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is surgical removal of lipomas safe?

Surgical removal of lipomas is generally considered safe when the removal is uncomplicated and is performed by a skilled veterinarian. It’s a routine procedure, though lipomas that are larger require more intensive surgical work and carry slightly greater risk.

In older dogs, or dogs with other health conditions, your veterinarian will exercise caution when deciding how to anesthetize your dog to remove the lump.

What are the pootential complications of surgical removal?

While complications are rare, there’s a slight risk of infection or slow wound healing after removal. As with any surgery, there will be post-operative discomfort so giving pain medications as prescribed is necessary to keep your dog comfortable. Antibiotics may be prescribed too, if the location of the mass is at risk for contamination.

Risk of complications increases with larger masses or older animals, so monitoring the mass (and intervening before a problem exists) and maintaining your dog’s health are the best way to reduce risks.

Can lipomas reoccur after removal?

While uncommon, lipomas can occasionally reappear in the same place after removal. Most veterinarians take wide margins to reduce this risk when removing any kind of mass. Taking wide margins means they remove a reasonable amount of surrounding tissue (skin, fat, and muscle if necessary) to eliminate as much of the problematic tissue as possible.

Regular check-ups with a vet can catch any recurrence early.

Not all dogs will develop lipomas or other types of masses, however dogs who develop one lipoma are at increased risk to develop others. Removal of one lipoma does not prevent other lipomas from popping up elsewhere.

Can lipomas be cancerous in dogs?

Although extremely rare, liposarcomas are malignant forms of lipomas. This is why it’s so important to get a proper diagnosis of any lump on or under your dog’s skin.