10 Incredible Home Remedies for Dog Lipomas You Should Know

10 Incredible Home Remedies for Dog Lipomas You Should Know

Here you will find the most common home remedies for lipomas in dogs. Even if it is sometimes difficult to find the right home remedy, sometimes it is not that far away. You already have most of the home remedies in your household, as the name suggests.

What is a lipoma?

A lipoma is a term that describes a very common benign fatty tumor that occurs in middle-aged to older animals. These tumors can vary in their growth rate (some can remain the same size for years), but become problematic for your pet if they grow in places that affect their ability to walk or cause discomfort. Lipomas can grow anywhere (even in the stomach), but the most common location is under the skin, where fat is normally present. They can grow between muscle layers or in a place that causes your pet discomfort when walking. When these tumors grow between muscle layers, they are typically called infiltrative lipomas.

Lipomas can grow anywhere, but the most common location is under the skin where fat is normally present.

The malignant form of this tumor is called liposarcoma. Fortunately, these tumors do not tend to spread to other sites but require more extensive surgery to control them.

What causes this type of tumor?

The reason why a particular pet may develop this or a tumor or cancer is not simple. Very few tumors and cancers have a single known cause. Most appear to be caused by a complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and others genetic or hereditary.

How are these types of tumors diagnosed?

Typically, these types of tumors can be diagnosed through fine needle aspiration (FNA). FNA involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing it on a microscope slide.

In some cases, the results of FNA may be inconclusive and a biopsy may be necessary. A biopsy is the surgical removal of a piece of the tumor. Parts of the tumor are then examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist (histopathology). Histopathology is helpful in making a definitive diagnosis. Advanced imaging, such as B. a CT scan may also be recommended.

How do these types of tumors typically progress?

Although lipomas are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread (metastasize) to surrounding tissues or internal organs, these tumors can continue to grow and cause discomfort to your pet if they are not removed. Once removed, the chance of recurrence is relatively low. However, it is very common for middle-aged to older dogs to have multiple masses that are lipomas. Every lipoma is different; some can grow quickly and take a few years to grow large enough to cause concern.

...these tumors can continue to grow and cause discomfort to your pet if they are not removed.

However, liposarcomas are malignant and have a much higher recurrence rate after surgical removal, meaning multiple surgeries may be required. In addition, the spread of liposarcoma is possible, although rare. Liposarcomas are typically treated more aggressively.

How does this type of tumor affect my pet?

For benign lipomas, the removal of these masses is more cosmetic in nature. Some pets develop these tumors in their armpit region, between their legs, or around their neck, which can cause discomfort and/or lameness. You may see that your pet exhibits an irregular gait and/or is unwilling to stand up, go up stairs, or go on his normal walks.

How are these tumors treated?

The most effective treatment for lipomas is surgical removal. It is best to remove these masses when they are small; The surgery is typically less invasive and the incision is much smaller and less painful for your pet. If lipomas continue to grow, surgery may become more difficult for both your veterinarian and your pet.

Infiltrative lipomas and liposarcomas that have recurred after surgery must be surgically removed again. Postoperative radiotherapy may be recommended for recurrent liposarcomas or infiltrative lipomas.

Holistic and complementary therapies to treat and reduce lipomas in dogs are beginning to see the light of day in the world of pet health. And while many don't have strong scientific support, they're generally safe to explore.

Home remedies for lipomas

Nutrition & exercise

In the case of lipomas, a healthier diet along with exercise can be one of the keys to preventing them from forming in the first place. It has been found that dogs with some extra meat on their bones (also known as being overweight) are more likely to develop these fatty tumors. Carefully portioned meals are a great strategy for preventing unintentional weight gain.

Several nutrients have also been anecdotally suggested to prevent lipomas, including vitamin C, vitamin B-12, chromium and L-carnitine, and are sometimes recommended as dietary supplements in addition to a balanced diet, but scientific studies are needed. Not to mention, a clean, fresh diet without preservatives certainly never hurts to maintain overall health.

Conscious consumption

Household cleaners, pesticides, and other chemicals can potentially expose your dog to harmful environmental toxins. Purchasing cleaners with safer ingredients and keeping your dog off freshly sprayed grass is just another way to control your pup's exposure to harmful chemicals, which some suspect could contribute to the growth of lipomas.

Also be careful of toxic plastics in plastic food bowls or other pet accessories. Lipoma prevention or not, it's simply good practice for your pet's health.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Fish oil, a powerful source of omega-3 fatty acids, has many scientifically proven benefits for dogs. It can be helpful in preventing and shrinking lipomas through several modes of action.

Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and obesity, keep joints well lubricated and skin and coat shiny. New evidence even shows that fish oil can slow tumor growth and possibly even shrink lipomas—but the evidence for this is still fairly anecdotal.

Natural remedies 

Natural and herbal remedies do not have a strong scientific backing, but there are alleged success stories. Claims about these alternative treatments include slowing lipoma growth, reducing lipoma size, and preventing lipomas altogether.

Herbs and plants that are said to have medicinal properties, naturally support the immune system, and help treat lipomas include:

Many of these natural plants and herbs contain bioactive ingredients and phytonutrients with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and health-protecting properties, which may explain why they are praised for supporting lipoma treatment.

However, be careful, especially regarding dose and source – we recommend you consult your veterinarian with all of the above. 

Acupressure & Blood Flow

Many licensed veterinarians practice acupuncture and acupressure to treat a variety of conditions. While lipomas aren't exactly on the list of conditions treated, acupressure is believed to promote healing and there are some resources that show acupuncture points to promote mass and lipoma reduction. There are no published studies showing benefit, and the traditional veterinary community views such interventions with skepticism. Acupressure, massage, and plain old exercises can also help improve blood circulation and reduce stress, regardless of whether they actually have an effect on lipomas.

One final thought

It is important to remember that many of the complementary treatments discussed in this article are not based on evidence, but rather on anecdotal evidence.

That doesn't mean they aren't worth trying - especially if lipomas frequently affect your pup's body. Even if you decide to try one of these more holistic treatments, your veterinarian can still be a valuable resource, so keep them informed. And surgical removal is perhaps the only safe way to remove a pesky lipoma and is usually very well tolerated by dogs.