Lipoma in Dogs: Signs, Causes, & Treatment

Lipomas are typically benign fatty tumors. They are lumps that develop under a dog’s skin.¹ They don’t always require treatment, but if you do decide to remove one, the cost of removal can be high. The removal cost of a dog fatty tumor can range between $200 and $600.² However, it can be even more expensive if the lipoma is in a difficult-to-reach spot. Keep reading to learn more about lipomas in dogs and how insurance could help cover your dog’s vet bills.

What Is a Lipoma in Dogs?

A lipoma in dogs is a common fatty mass or tumor that forms under the skin.¹ Most lipomas are benign, or non-cancerous, although a rare cancerous form called liposarcoma can occur.¹

Lipomas can grow over time and may affect mobility, especially if they develop between muscle layers. Although most are harmless, any new or changing lump should be examined by a veterinarian.

While lipomas are more common in dogs, they can also occur in cats.

What causes lipoma in dogs?

It’s unclear exactly what causes it. The development of lipomas, or any other tumor, is often complex. But certain characteristics increase the chances of developing one:³

• Senior dogs
• Overweight dogs
• Certain dog breeds
• Female dogs
• Spayed or neutered dogs

Dog Lipoma Symptoms and Diagnosis

You may detect a lipoma by noticing a lump on your dog. If you find a lump, bring your pup to the vet so they can make a more conclusive diagnosis. After a physical exam, they may perform additional tests, such as:³

1. A fine needle aspiration (FNA): A procedure that uses a needle to take a small sample of cells from the growth to inspect under a microscope.
2. A biopsy: A surgical procedure where a small amount of tissue is removed and sent to a pathologist for evaluation.⁴

Dog Lipoma Treatment

Not all benign lipomas need to be removed. Your dog may live the rest of their life unbothered by the growth, and simply monitoring for changes in size may suffice. However, if you do decide to remove the growth via surgery, the treatment depends on what it looks like:¹

• Small lipoma: Most dog lipomas can be easily removed with a simple surgery, and they typically have a low chance of returning if they’re benign. The smaller the lipoma, the easier the procedure — so it’s important to catch them early.
• Larger lipomas: Lipomas located deeper in your dog’s body, or in places harder to operate on, may require more extensive surgery. This could raise the cost of treatment into the thousands.
• Liposarcoma: For malignant lipomas, and lipomas found between muscle layers that return after removal, it’s recommended they be removed again. Cancerous liposarcomas may also require radiation therapy.¹

How Much Does Lipoma Removal Cost?

The average cost for surgical removal is $200 to $600.² There may be additional costs associated with the diagnostics and recovery from the procedure.

Does pet insurance cover lipoma removal?

MetLife Pet Insurance can cover lipoma removal surgery as long as it’s not considered a pre-existing condition. Here are some real-world examples:⁵

• Barry is an 8-year-old pup from California who needed a complex lipoma removal surgery. The bill came to over $2,000, and we reimbursed his parents for over $1,850.
• Angel is a senior dog from New Mexico who needed a more routine lipoma removal. Surgery cost $550, and we reimbursed her parents for over $300.

Lipoma in Dogs FAQs

Here are some common questions pet parents have relating to lipomas.

What dog breeds are most prone to developing lipomas?

The following breeds may be more likely to develop lipomas:⁶

• Beagle
• Cocker spaniel
• Dachshund
• Doberman pinscher
• Labrador retriever
• Miniature schnauzer
• Weimaraner

Can a lipoma in a dog go away on its own?

They rarely go away on their own. Some lipomas can even continue to grow if they aren’t surgically removed.¹

Should lipomas in dogs be removed?

Every lipoma is different. The right answer depends on factors like whether it’s benign or malignant, causing your pet discomfort, where it is, and if it’s growing. Talk to your veterinarian to decide what’s right for your pet.

Pet Insurance May Help With Dog Lipoma Removal Costs

Though the majority of dog lipomas are benign, they shouldn’t be ignored. A dog insurance policy could reimburse⁷ you for the cost of diagnosis and removal. However, it should be noted that pet insurance policies may only cover dog lipoma removal if they put your pet’s health at risk. Learn more about how pet insurance works to see if it’s right for you. Or get a free quote today to see how much you could save on your dog’s health care.