AboutDelores Beck Expertise Health, nutrition, and training issues.
NOTICE: I NO LONGER RECOMMEND CANIDAE DOG FOOD. DUE TO A CHANGE IN FORMULA AND MANUFACTURING FACILITIES, DOGS ARE GETTING SICK ON THIS BRAND.
Question Hi I took my 7 year old cocker spaniel to the vets about 5 weeks ago as I discovered a small jelly like lump which moves about internally on her chest it doesn't affect her in any way. The vet said it is probably a fatty lump which they could aspirate but just to leave it for now. I have noticed since then it has doubled in size so have made another vets appointment but don't really want to be told just to leave it again as it is a fatty lump. Does aspirating the lump cause any distress to the animal as I am wondering why they have just told me to leave it.
Would be grateful of your help.
Answer Your vet is probably right and it's a fatty Lipoma. However they can get large enough to be a problem and it's no big deal for the vet to aspirate it to determine exactly what it is. Aspiration is simply an incredibly tiny needle that is inserted to collect some cells to analyze. No distress to the dog at all.
If it's increased in size I wouldn't hesitate to have it aspirated - takes a few seconds and the dog will barely notice. It'll set your mind at ease and that's important too.
At age 7 they do get these types of "lumps" and perhaps when you next have her teeth cleaned they can simply remove it while she's under anesthetic anyway.
The most important thing (and why your vet isn't worried) is that it's an easily "moveable" lump and not attached to anything.
You can do some reading on it - just type in Canine Fatty Lipomas
and that may set your mind at ease.
Delores
