Fatty Tumors on My Sheltie

[BigBlueHen53]

My Sheltie, Gracie, has had what seems to be a lipoma (fatty tumor) on her left flank for quite some time. She is aboit 10 years old. It has been getting larger in the last few months, going from about the size of a walnut to now it fells almost the size of a lemon. But also I am feeling more of them. There is one on her right pectoral muscle (breast) and one on her left rib. There may also be one on her right rib, but this one feels different. It's flat and hard. None of them seem to bother her.

So I'm taking her to the vet later today to get some needle aspirates. But .... BYC family, I need some support from you guys. What should I expect? Is this horrible news, or should I take a deep breath and just chill? Am I going to lose my sweet girl? Please help, I'm crying already, thinking the worst. My Catastrophic Thinking is kicking in! Thanks!

 

[NHMountainMan]

I wouldn’t overly worry. If the vet has already confirmed that the first lump was a lipoma, it’s very common for more to show up as part of the aging process. Some dogs just seem more prone to developing them. But glad you’re getting them checked none the less.
good luck and please let us know how it goes

 

[DottieMinerva]

Fatty tumors are not uncommon in dogs. Labradors specifically get them a lot and have the nickname Lumpy Labs. My extended family has a Chihuahua Corgi mix who is about 12 years old. They didn't take her to the vet for her fatty tumor until it got so big it was a hindrance to her mobility. The vet said they needed to remove it because draining it would only be a temporary fix. That 15lb old Chihuahua made it through the surgery just fine and she was spayed at the same time. A lot of the masses pets get are due to not being spayed or neutered according to that vet.

All that being said, I hope all is well with your pup! Please update us!

 

[wyoDreamer]

My 13 year old English Setter has a number of fatty tumors. I have a couple also. It is not a big deal. Worrying about the what ifs is not going to do any good for anyone. If your dog senses that you are upset, she will get upset also. Please, try to relax and just love on her like you always do. See what the vet finds out at the exam, most likely your mind has brought up more drastic news than the vet will give you.

 

[FortCluck]

My beagle has a fatty tumor on her side by her front leg, it doesn't bug her so we are leaving it alone. She's not sick or anything and vet said it's nothing to be concerned with unless she starts acting sick. They said most fatty tumors on dogs are nothing and that usually tumors you can't feel are the ones that you should be concerned with (like ones in throat, lungs, and other areas)

Your dog is fine! You won't lose her. My beagle has had hers for 2 years and she's perfectly healthy and happy. Don't stress or be sad because your dog can feel your emotions and they feed off them. Head up! She's good.

 

[glassdragonfly]

Gracie is so pretty! Always good to have a check. Please keep us posted on you furbaby

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I wouldn’t overly worry. If the vet has already confirmed that the first lump was a lipoma, it’s very common for more to show up as part of the aging process. Some dogs just seem more prone to developing them. But glad you’re getting them checked none the less.
good luck and please let us know how it goes

Thank you, that is very reassuring!

 

[sourland]

Generally fatty tumors are just unsightly. Good luck, and try to relax.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Fatty tumors are not uncommon in dogs. Labradors specifically get them a lot and have the nickname Lumpy Labs. My extended family has a Chihuahua Corgi mix who is about 12 years old. They didn't take her to the vet for her fatty tumor until it got so big it was a hindrance to her mobility. The vet said they needed to remove it because draining it would only be a temporary fix. That 15lb old Chihuahua made it through the surgery just fine and she was spayed at the same time. A lot of the masses pets get are due to not being spayed or neutered according to that vet.

All that being said, I hope all is well with your pup! Please update us!

Thank you, whew, that is comforting! Gracie was spayed very young so that's not an issue. I'll definitely update!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

My 13 year old English Setter has a number of fatty tumors. I have a couple also. It is not a big deal. Worrying about the what ifs is not going to do any good for anyone. If your dog senses that you are upset, she will get upset also. Please, try to relax and just love on her like you always do. See what the vet finds out at the exam, most likely your mind has brought up more drastic news than the vet will give you.

Thanks, I'll try.....