Lipoma in a dog: growth characteristics, development factors, methods of diagnosis and treatment. Appearance and causes of the appearance of wen in a dog

A wen is a benign tumor formed from adipose tissue. It can appear in absolutely any part of the body. This disorder is more common in cats than in dogs. Also at risk are old individuals of both animal species and at any age of the female.

What is a wen and how does it look

A fatty tumor is a neoplasm that is located between the skin and muscles in loose adipose tissue and can. Feels like dough or silicone in consistency, i.e. soft and elastic. There is normal mobility and painlessness. In some cases, the lipoma can grow into the muscles - in such cases, the mobility of the tumor decreases and its density increases. Wen grow, as a rule, very slowly, but are able to grow to a substantial size.

Wen can appear anywhere where there is loose adipose tissue. At first, the lipoma looks like a small, loose tubercle (bump), inactive in a relatively limited area. Depending on the conditions and condition of the body, the neoplasm begins to increase. Sometimes it grows to those sizes when it involuntarily begins to attract attention to itself and provokes discomfort in the sensations of the animal. This is due to the fact that the neoplasm in the process of growth can affect the nerve endings in the surrounding tissues.

Outwardly, a wen in a dog looks the same as in cats (photo)

Wen in dogs and cats appear for two main reasons:

• violation of fat metabolism;
• genetic predisposition.

The main metabolic disorders that provoke the appearance of wen include insufficiently correct functioning of the enzymatic system of the body. This means that the animal's body lacks the required amount or type of enzyme to fully break down stored fat into water and internal energy. Those. lipomas appear not from the fact that too much fat accumulates in the body, but from the fact that it is not properly and fully broken down, as a result of which intermediate substances are formed that provoke tumor growth. It is because of this reason that the risk group is old and overweight animals.

Most often, lipomas are found in dogs on the back, sides and tops of the limbs; in cats - on the abdomen, in the chest area and on the upper surface of the hind limbs.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis of a lipoma (or wen) is usually made on the basis of fairly specific clinical manifestations. It is also desirable to obtain a sample of the tumor for additional studies - histology and cytology. Samples are obtained by aspiration, biopsy, or exploratory surgery. For large lipomas, ultrasound may be indicated.

In any case, no matter where this neoplasm appears, it is necessary to show the pet to a specialist unambiguously. It is always necessary to exclude purulent abscesses, cysts and malignant tumors.

Ways to treat wen

Wen (lipoma) is always a benign tumor that rarely causes any inconvenience to the animal.

If this neoplasm:

• small size,
• painless
• does not have growth dynamics
• does not affect the life of the pet,
• no signs of inflammation
• does not open on its own

then it is customary to leave it in the format in which it is. It is not necessary to smear a wen with anything, pierce, put compresses, etc. - it is always a risk of provocation of increased tumor growth and / or its transformation into a cancerous one.

In all other cases, the lipoma is removed only surgically. Especially when the lipoma is located in a place that is subjected to constant mechanical stress (armpit, for example).

All lipomas are divided into:

• non-infiltrative;
• infiltrative (spilled).

The first group of tumors has a clear limited contour, due to which it is very easy to remove them. The second group is characterized by germination into neighboring tissues and it is difficult to remove them (because the damaged neighboring areas also have to be cut out). Also, it is this group of wen that most often degenerates into an oncological (malignant) form.

It is strictly forbidden to open (pierce) any seals on the body of pets on your own, because. a non-specialist will never determine for sure what is hidden under one or another subcutaneous seal, and whether it is a wen and benign!

• Before the operation, the animal must be prepared. At least 12 hours in advance (ideally 24 hours) animals - even a cat, even a dog - do not feed, but water is given on demand. This contributes to a more rapid effect of general anesthesia and narcotic vomiting is prevented. Local novocaine or lidocaine anesthesia is also used (ledocaine is contraindicated in cats due to individual sensitivity and numerous pronounced side effects, up to death). When a wen is ruptured or there are signs of bleeding from it, the operation is performed urgently and without starvation.

• Removal of a wen usually occurs through a small incision. If infiltration (germination into the surrounding tissues and muscles) was observed, then the fatty tumor will be removed with the affected areas. If the tumor is large, drainage is necessarily formed - a place for draining exudate, which will certainly form in the postoperative period. The formed postoperative wound will also be washed through the drainage.

• Particularly noteworthy are fatty tumors that are located on the border with the main nerve nodes or branches - operations in such cases are carried out with extreme caution so as not to hook them and disrupt the innervation (permeability of nerve impulses).

• For any signs of purulent inflammation of the postoperative wound, you should immediately contact the veterinary clinic for help, and not necessarily the doctor who operated (although this is recommended!). It is also necessary to monitor the wound dressing and follow all the requirements of the specialist.
• The chance of recurrence after surgery is minimal. Exceptions are infiltrated lipomas, which are very difficult to remove completely, so cases of the return of wen with this form of neoplasms are quite possible. With a genetic predisposition to the formation of lipomas, their reappearance is possible not only in the place where the surgical removal was performed, but also in any other place on the animal's body.

• Depending on the results of the operation, the cat/dog may be prescribed a course of antibiotics, pain medications and sedatives (sedatives).

• If, after a biopsy, a malignant degeneration of a wen is established, then chemotherapy is mandatory. Usually, the chemotherapy course consists of the following drugs: prednisone, vincristine, cyclophosphamide and doxorubicin. In 71% of all cases, therapy gives a positive effect. Schemes and dosages are calculated strictly by a veterinarian, based on this particular situation.

Question answer

How to treat lipoma?

The treatment for a lipoma is to remove it. In very rare cases, self-resorption is allowed, but this is one case in a thousand. First, regular measurement of the tumor and monitoring of it is prescribed. If during the period established by the veterinarian the wen greatly increases in size, then it is removed surgically.

Does the wen affect the general condition of the animal?

Depending on the location, this neoplasm usually does not affect the general health of the pet. Exceptions are large abdominal lipomas. They can compress the internal organs and disrupt their functions. Also, with the degeneration of lipomas (wen), ulcerations and bleeding can be observed. If extensive areas are covered, then general signs of intoxication from the absorption of decay products into the bloodstream may appear.

Why self-treatment of a wen (lipoma) is contraindicated?

Any disease should be treated by a specialist. The same applies to wen - after all, and this is a tumor, albeit benign in most cases. It is forbidden to use any ointments, lotions or compresses. These funds can provoke irritation of the skin and the occurrence of an inflammatory process. Attempts to pierce and / or open such neoplasms, at best, will end in infection, at worst, it will provoke tissue degeneration, and the tumor will turn into a malignant one. If a wen appears on the body of a dog / cat, this is always a strict condition for visiting a veterinarian.

If the wen broke through (opened)

If the lipoma has burst, you need to urgently deliver the pet to the veterinary clinic for surgical intervention to remove this neoplasm. The risk of infection is very high, and when trying to take any drug effect, it can lead to degeneration from a benign state to a malignant one.

Do I need to remove the wen on the neck of a cat?

Yes, it is recommended to remove cervical lipomas, even if visually it seems that the tumor does not cause discomfort. The fact is that there is a high risk of squeezing the blood vessels from the inside, disrupting the oxygen supply to the brain. Cerebral hypoxia (lack of oxygen) can increase gradually, and there is a risk of death of the animal. Therefore, it is recommended to remove any lipomas in the neck area.

Wen in dogs or whatever they are called lipoma, a fairly common disease. It is quite natural that the owner will be alarmed when he finds unwanted neoplasms on the body of a four-legged friend. What do responsible owners need to know about wen in dogs, how not to overlook other, more serious problems?

Wen in dogs: causes, external signs and diagnostic methods

Wen in dogs - this benign tumor most often occurs in older and obese dogs. There is an opinion that individuals with metabolic disorders or genetically predisposed are more prone to lipomas. For example, breeds that have found a high frequency of this pathology: Doberman Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Labrador Retriever.

Looks lipoma as a soft round swelling under the skin of the dog and is most often localized on the abdomen, sternum and upper parts of the paws. Since it is based on adipose and connective tissue, it can also form in other places where there is a fatty layer. Small, non-growing wen in dogs are safe for the health of the animal, so most veterinarians advise not to worry about them. And here we turn to the issue of diagnosis, because only a doctor can dispel doubts about the origin of the tumor.

Methods for diagnosing lipoma include:

As you can see, correct diagnosis is very important so as not to confuse a lipoma with other pathologies, for example, an abscess, a hematoma, a malignant neoplasm, or an inflamed lymph node.

So, having found wen in a dog, contact a veterinarian. Do not try to heal the animal yourself by warming the lipoma or by using alternative medicine. Only a competent doctor will advise what to do in your particular case: leave alone or treat a wen.

Wen in dogs: treatment methods

Wen treatment It is an operative (surgical) intervention. Unfortunately, traditional therapy in this case is powerless. In what cases will the doctor recommend an operation to remove a wen?

If the tumor is actively growing, squeezing other tissues and internal organs, then this is an indication for surgery. If the wen compresses the nerve roots, the animal will begin to feel pain and discomfort, for example, when walking or when touching the skin.

Wen in dogs can become inflamed and so that the wen does not break through, it should be removed. A self-opened wen is a gateway for infection, so it emergency treatment, that is, removal is the work of the surgeon.

The owner of the dog may himself insist on removing the lipoma if it creates a pronounced aesthetic defect, because the appearance of the dog plays a significant role in our emotions or ambitions (for example, a show dog, thoroughbred).

How is this operation going?

After the operation, injections of the antitumor drug "Ligfol" are made.

What to do if the wen suddenly burst at home? Treat the wound with a disinfectant. An erupted wen may bleed, so contact a veterinary center or call a veterinarian at home. Don't risk your pet's life. A wen that has opened under non-sterile conditions without high-quality sutures, which can only be done by a specialist - a veterinarian, is dangerous for your pet's health.

Wen in dogs. Postoperative dog care

After surgical treatment the owner of the dog needs to take care of the stitches, treating them with antiseptic agents and making sure that the dog does not lick the stitches (they may be infected or disperse). If necessary, put on a special collar for the animal. With proper care, the sutures are removed after ten days and the removed lipoma will no longer remind of itself, because the wen do not metastasize and do not form in the old place.

Prevention to avoid wen in dogs

For an attentive owner, it will be an easy task to examine a pet once a week for swelling and inflammation of the skin. It is better to notice wen in dogs in time. Veterinarians recommend providing your pet with an active lifestyle and a balanced diet, as these two conditions will support the metabolism in an optimal form and prevent the development of pathology. For preventive purposes, courses of intramuscular injections of anticancer drugs can be carried out.

In our veterinary center "Ya-VET" qualified surgeons are waiting for you, who will advise you on the treatment of wen and provide, if necessary, surgical assistance. The center provides home care, has several strong points, as well as a hospital for emergency patients. You can call the veterinarian at home without wasting time waiting in the queues of the center. The veterinarian will make the correct diagnosis and select the appropriate treatment, if necessary, prescribing additional examinations and tests. You will receive the results of express tests at home in 15 minutes, and this will allow you to start treatment without wasting time. Professionalism and love for animals help our veterinarians answer more than 800 calls per month and treat 150 animal pathologies. We are waiting and happy to help you!

Lipoma(fatty tumor, wen) is one of the most common benign tumors in dogs. It looks like a knot surrounded by a capsule. Basically, the lipoma consists of adipose and connective tissue and, as a rule, has a lobular structure. In the case of the predominance of adipose tissue, the lipoma has a soft texture, and with a greater amount of connective tissue, it is dense. Less common are the so-called diffuse lipomas, devoid of a connective tissue capsule. Wen grow slowly, pushing and squeezing the surrounding tissues. Overweight dogs of middle and older age are most predisposed to the formation of lipomas.

Frequently asked Questions:

The vet said my dog ​​has a lipoma. What is it, what might it look like?

Lipoma, as a rule, is oval in shape with a smooth or lobulated surface, painless, soft to the touch, easily mobile with clear contours. Its size and shape can vary significantly. Usually, a wen is characterized by a slow growth rate, although its rapid increase can be observed periodically. The lipoma grows regardless of the weight of the animal and continues to accumulate fat even with weight loss. Upon reaching a significant size under the influence of its own weight, subject to the hanging of the wen, the neoplasm can "sag" and form the so-called "pedunculated lipoma". In this case, blood circulation in the upper part of the lipoma may be disturbed, which will inevitably lead to ulceration and tissue death and the risk of infection. A significant growth of the wen can provoke compression of the surrounding tissues and nerve endings, causing pain in the dog.

Where can lipomas form?

Wen can occur anywhere where there is adipose tissue. More often they appear in the subcutaneous tissue on the surface of the chest, abdomen or upper limbs. Less common are lipomas located in internal organs such as the liver, lung, heart, organs of the gastrointestinal tract, uterus, mammary gland, etc.

Lipomas can be single or multiple (this phenomenon is called "lipomatosis"). In some cases, there is a symmetrical arrangement of wen.

Diffuse (intermuscular) lipomas are usually located between the muscles of the limbs. As a rule, they consist of many nodes, which makes it difficult to treat them effectively.

Can a lipoma be malignant?

A malignant tumor of fat cells - liposarcoma - is rare. The diagnosis is based on the results of histological examination. More often localized between the muscles of the limbs and in the retroperitoneal space. Infiltrative (spread) growth usually requires a wide surgical excision in combination with radiation therapy. The prognosis is poor, relapses may occur after surgery.

Attention!

If you find even a small tumor-like formation in your dog, be sure. Without special examinations and analyzes, it is impossible to establish whether a tumor is benign or malignant, and to develop a treatment strategy. The life of your dog may depend on the timely start of treatment.

How will the doctor determine what kind of tumor my dog ​​has?

To confirm the diagnosis after a clinical examination, the doctor may suggest a needle biopsy (with cell examination, i.e. cytology). This diagnostic method involves inserting a needle with a syringe attached to it into the lipoma tissue and taking cell samples on a glass slide for cytological examination. Slides are examined microscopically for the presence of fat cells. To identify lipomas located in the retroperitoneal space, as well as the chest and abdominal cavities, ultrasound, X-ray examination and computed tomography are used. In some cases, to clarify the diagnosis, a histological examination of the material after removal of the lipoma may be required.

A year ago, my dog ​​already had a lipoma removed on his chest. Now there is a new tumor on the back. Could it be a lipoma again?

Yes maybe. Dogs that are prone to developing lipomas may develop new lipomas over time. However, it should be borne in mind that each newly appeared neoplasm must be examined by a veterinarian, since the development of a more serious tumor that looks like a lipoma is possible. To clarify the diagnosis, the doctor will conduct a full range of examinations, including a puncture biopsy.

Is it necessary to remove a lipoma? What is the prognosis after the operation?

Treatment of lipomas is only surgical. In the case of a locally occurring process, the prognosis is favorable. Wen do not give metastases and do not appear in the same place after removal. If surgery is necessary, a preliminary examination of the dog will be required. Indications for surgical removal may include:

• actively growing lipoma;
• the effect of lipoma on the work of the internal organs that it squeezes;
• limb dysfunction;
• painful lipoma;
• pronounced cosmetic defect.

By itself, the lipoma of the subcutaneous tissue is not dangerous. If the lipoma does not cause discomfort to the dog and does not affect the state of her health, she can not be operated on yet. Such neoplasms are removed rather for aesthetic reasons.

How difficult is the operation to remove a lipoma?

The lipoma is usually surrounded by a capsule and is poorly vascularized (provided with blood vessels). After incising the skin over the neoplasm, the surgeon carefully separates it from the surrounding subcutaneous tissue. Lipomas usually hardly bleed. Doping (ligation) of the main supply vessel may be required. After removing the wen, the surgeon sutures the resulting cavity.

Intermuscular lipomas deserve special attention, although they are quite rare. These tumors are more aggressive and less visible as they grow. They are located in the fiber between the layers of muscles in the form of many lobules and do not have clear boundaries, which greatly complicates the work of the surgeon. This type of growth leads to a noticeable increase in the size of the limb, a violation of its function and severe pain. After removal of such a lipoma, there is a risk of recurrence.

In the postoperative period, you should take care of the sutures and protect them from "licking". Stitches are usually removed on the 10th day.

Almost all lipomas are benign tumors of adipose tissue (fat). These tumors are usually treated by complete surgical removal. Rarely, they can grow and cause problems due to their size and infiltration into nearby organs and tissues. Some tumors (liposarcomas) are of low grade and may recur. Spread to other parts of the body (metastasis) is very rare, but the syndrome of multiple tumors is called lipomatosis.

What is known about the causes of lipoma?

The reasons why a tumor develops in a particular animal, as with any cancer, are difficult to determine. Cancer is often the culmination of a series of circumstances that happen to an individual animal.

How common is a lipoma?

A benign form of fatty tumor is a relatively common occurrence in middle-aged and old animals. Tumors are twice as common in females than males and more common in overweight animals. Lipoma is rare in cats, although it is also more common in obese animals.

Infiltrative fatty tumor is very rare in both dogs and cats. It can occur in young dogs. Most reported cases have been in Labrador Retrievers. Lipomatosis can occur in both cats and dogs. Malignant tumors are rare.

How can a tumor affect a pet?

These tumors usually form a soft lump under the skin, although they can also occur in the abdomen. They rarely cause discomfort if the size is small enough. Ulceration and bleeding are rare, but large lipomas may be susceptible to necrosis and, if large and toxic, may cause discomfort.

How is a lipoma diagnosed?

Clinically, this tumor has a typical appearance, but a sample of the tumor must be obtained for identification with greater certainty. Various procedures may be used to obtain a sample, including aspiration, biopsy, or exploratory surgery (for tumors in the abdomen). The sample should then be examined by cytology and/or histopathology to help determine if the tumor is benign or malignant.

How is lipoma treated?

Lipoma treatment consists of surgical removal.

Can the tumor go away without treatment?

A lipoma rarely disappears without treatment, but its development may stop at some stages. Decreased blood flow to the tumor is not uncommon. This will allow it to die, but the dead tissue will still require surgical removal. The body's own immune system can kill cancer cells, but it is rarely highly effective.

What care is needed for an animal with a lipoma?

To reduce inflammation, it is necessary to prevent rubbing, scratching, licking, and any other possible effect on the tumor. The ulcerated area of ​​the body should be kept clean.

After surgery, surgical incisions must be kept clean. Any problems with sutures or bleeding should be reported to the veterinarian. If you need further assistance or advice on post-operative care, again, contact your veterinarian in advance.

How do you know that the tumor is completely removed and cured?

The veterinarian, after examining tumor samples, should make a diagnosis of the type of tumor. A veterinary pathologist can usually give a prognosis that describes the likelihood of recurrence or metastases.

Most cases of lipomas are benign and successfully treated with surgery. Tumors of the infiltrative type are sometimes difficult to remove. If the lipoma could not be removed, or if it recurred, then this indicates that the tumor is of this type. Additional surgery is successful in preventing recurrence and further spread in more than half of this type of cancer.

Like other soft tissue sarcomas (a sarcoma is a malignant tumor), liposarcomas often recur after surgery. They rarely metastasize or spread to other parts of the body.

Is there a risk to the family or other pets?

No, a lipoma (wen) is not an infectious tumor and is not transmitted from an animal to other pets or humans.