Fatty tumors in dogs

[Hotwings]

I was brushing my dog Dodge the other day and I discovered what I think is a fatty tumor on the back of his rear leg. I think it was the same one before I found but I forgot about it as I was going through a lengthy illness with my cat. It is about the size of a small baseball now. I did some research on the internet and I am sure it is a fatty tumor. This tumor doesn't seem to affect him as he is active and etc. They say they are common in older dogs and Dodge is 11 years old. I was wondering if anyone here has had to deal with this and what is the usual cost of removal? The info I have read said if it is benign that it should be no problem left alone unless if interfers with the pets activity. This lump is not hard but soft. Thank you for any info.

 

[rodriguezpoultry]

Thunder had fatty cysts when he was around 8 years old. Not one, but several on his chest. It didn't interfere and didn't cause him any pain, so we left them alone. Another dog we had got some on her head (still have no clue how). The one on her head was removed...but I was too young to understand why.

Never had any issues just leaving them be, but I would ask the vet to do a biopsy on the internal matter to see if there are any cancer cells, just to be on the safe side. I believe it was called a needle aspiration?

 

[newbiechickenowner]

I would definately contact the vet especially since it is changing in size. My dog had a fatty cyst on the side of his chest and it was VERY large for years. The vet watched it and it was considered benign, but had to be watched for changes. Sure enough, changes came and they had to remove it. A benign, but very aggressive tumor began to grow inside. I just think that it should be "felt" by the most qualified person to put your mind at ease. There are SO many types of tumors...we have had many in several different dogs and, although benign, two out of three dogs did require intervention. Good luck!

 

[Brindlebtch]

Definitely need to have a needle aspirate done by a vet. A relatively inexpensive procedure. The back of a rear leg is not a common place for a lipoma to develop.