Many pets develop fat lumps and bumps as they age. In this new “Episode,” we explain why fat accumulates in pets and what you can do to prevent it.
As you know, these ugly lumps and swellings are common in some Labrador breeds and are called lipomas. Just like humans, we too have genes that work weirdly. Most are not cancerous and are harmless unless they are interfering with the dog’s movement (such as in the front legs) or are near the spine. Most vets hesitate to anesthetize dogs to remove lipomas, but pet owners still find them ugly and want a safe, natural alternative. Make sure to get a biopsy to be sure.
I used this product on my dog and it worked. It’s a human product so it worked for me too. A swelling that had been there for 10 years on my back disappeared in a week. I also used it on my Labrador for a lump and swelling and it disappeared in a month. Moles disappeared in 1-2 weeks and loose skin disappeared in a week.
And because chemotherapy for dogs is nearly impossible to find and afford, we must find safe, cost-effective treatments in an era when veterinary fees are prohibitively high, there are few veterinarians in practice, and it is difficult to find specialized veterinarians who specialize in oncology.
If your vet has you monitor the lump, take pictures and measurements every few weeks. It’s helpful to take notes on the following:
- Its shape
- Texture (smooth or rugged)
- Hardness/Softness
- Is it causing pain?
- Even if blood and tears flow
If you notice any changes in the lump, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Measure your dog’s lumps every two weeks and keep a record
When to contact your vet: If you notice any new swelling on your dog’s body, be sure to contact your vet, even if it seems harmless.
Consider takeout Dog Insurance Get insurance as soon as you bring your dog home, before any signs of illness show, so you can have peace of mind knowing you’ll have financial support if your dog does become ill.
“Lipomas in dogs are common in overweight female dogs, but the biggest risk factor may be genetics. “I’ve heard a variety of theories,” says Tia Nelson, a veterinarian in Helena, Montana. “Some veterinarians are convinced that lipomas are the result of over-vaccination, commercial pet foods, grain-based diets, and exposure to environmental toxins. While most dogs with lipomas fit that description, I can show you plenty of stocky dogs—my own dog is one of them—who were holistically raised on a grain-free raw diet and minimal vaccinations. The simple fact is that some dogs will develop lipomas no matter what you do.”—Whole Dog Journal
“I’ve looked at a number of dogs, now between 6 and 14 years old,” says veterinarian Judith K. Herman of Augusta, Maine. “These dogs have had minimal vaccinations and are fed a raw diet, and so far have not developed lipomas. Most of them are Jack Russell terriers, Belgian tervurens, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers.”
I’ve been feeding a raw, grain-free diet for the past 15 years and my Labradors have never had a lipoma. Maybe it’s just not in my bloodline… I don’t know! I’ve had Labradors for almost 40 years and have never seen a lipoma. Maybe I was just lucky. Maybe it was the environment. You can be the judge (and research!) -Donna
