TL;DR: Soft, fatty lumps are usually benign lipomas that do not require emergency care, but you should schedule a routine vet appointment to confirm the diagnosis through a needle test.
What are these soft, fatty lumps on my dog?
A soft, movable lump found just under your dog’s skin is most commonly a lipoma. Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors made entirely of fat cells. They are very common in middle-aged and senior dogs, particularly in certain breeds like Labradors and Golden Retrievers. While they are usually harmless, they can occasionally grow large enough to cause discomfort or restrict movement depending on their location.
Is a soft, fatty lump on my dog an emergency?
- The urgency level for a soft, fatty lump is generally low, as these growths typically develop slowly and do not cause immediate pain or distress.
- Because it is impossible to diagnose a lump by feel alone, you should schedule a routine, non-emergency appointment with your veterinarian.
- The vet will perform a Fine Needle Aspirate (FNA) to confirm the lump is indeed a fatty growth and not something more serious.
Why should I take a photo of the lump for my veterinarian?
- A clear photo provides a visual baseline to track if the size, shape, or color of the skin changes over time.
- If the lump is in a hard-to-find spot, such as the armpit or groin, a photo or video ensures the vet examines the exact area of concern during your visit.
Clinical Context (Merck Veterinary Manual)
Lipomas typically appear as soft, occasionally pedunculated, discrete nodular masses that are freely movable; in dogs and cats, multiple lipomas are present in greater than 5% of cases. Lipomas generally develop in older, obese female dogs, most commonly on the trunk and proximal limbs; Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Schnauzers, and mixed-breed dogs are most at risk. Although benign, lipomas should be monitored as they enlarge over time and may be indistinguishable from infiltrative lipomas or liposarcomas. Excision is typically curative, and dietary restriction to 75% of normal intake for several weeks before surgery may allow for better definition of the surgical margins.
Chapter: Oncology
Source: The Merck Veterinary Manual, 11th Edition (Page 958)