As a longtime Labrador Retriever breeder and trainer, I am often asked “what causes fatty tumors in Labrador Retrievers” by owners and prospective first-time clients.
What causes fatty tumors in Labrador Retrievers? Nobody really knows what causes these benign tumors. Also known as lipomas, there is an apparent genetic link because the tumors are more prevalent in some dog breeds (like Labs) than others. Fatty tumors also tend to occur more often in some pedigrees than others.
Fatty tumors are benign and will not metastasize into other tissues to become dangerous cancers.
Because these tumors pose no immediate or long-term health risk to dogs they are not usually removed. If a fatty tumor is removed it will usually be done at the owner’s request. The removed tumor will be examined as a routine biopsy. The owner will be told the results which will also be entered into the dog’s permanent medical chart.
What if There are Several of These Tumors?
If there are several unsightly tumors on your dog or if there is a pain, discomfort, restriction of movement, or other health concerns then vets will typically recommend removal.
Fortunately, these benign fatty tumors don’t usually cause any discomfort or problems.
In fact, most vets will just recommend leaving the tumor(s) alone. If you want the lump(s) removed from your Labrador for cosmetic reasons, and your dog can tolerate anesthesia, then most vets will remove them.
Will These Fatty Tumors Shorten My Lab’s Expected Lifespan?
No.
At least not in the sense of a malignant tumor. These are benign tumors that do not migrate or metastasize into other tissues.
They are simply an irregular mass of fat (adipose) cells. For whatever reason, these cells have clumped together in a random spot rather than layering smoothly under the skin as normal.
Lipomas can reduce a Lab’s life span if they grow big or painful enough to impede your dog’s movement.
This could fatally slow the dog’s reaction time to impending danger.
Fatty tumors can also impair nerve, organ, muscular, and vascular function if they become too large. In turn, these factors can impact the Lab’s health and shorten his or her life.
Are There Risks Involved in Removing a Fatty Tumor?
Yes, albeit small in this case, there are always some risks inherent with any surgery. This is particularly true when surgery requires your Lab to be anesthetized. Some risk factors to consider are:
- A potential for post-surgery infection
- Invasive surgical damage to neighboring tissue (i.e., cartilage, nerve, blood vessel)
- Unknown heart or circulatory weakness due to heartworm or other diseases
- Anaphylactic reaction to anesthesia
Should You Just Ignore Fatty Tumors?
If the lipoma(s) is unobtrusive and causing no harm or pain to your Lab then you may decide to just ignore it.
Don’t.
It is a tumor.
As such it should be checked by your vet. You may regret the decision to ignore the lump and your Lab may suffer as a result.
Always get your dog checked by a vet when any unusual lump or growth appears.
The Wrap
Your Lab is your best friend. His or her health is in your hands―it’s your responsibility. While they may be harmless, these fatty tumors (aka lipomas) can become painful, infected or unsightly.
These normally benign tumors may even develop into an intrusive mass that threatens your Lab’s mobility, health, and wellbeing. Left unchecked, an intrusive lipoma may significantly shorten your Lab’s lifespan. Don’t ignore fatty tumors. Get your dog checked by your vet immediately when you notice one or more lumps.
The key to having a happy, healthy Lab is four-fold:
- Good nutrition, including freshwater
- Lots of playtime and companionship
- Paying attention to changes in skin and coat health
- Regular vet exams and following treatment protocols when needed
Never ignore new lumps, bumps or changes in your dog’s appearance or behavior. A dull hair coat, appetite changes, matted eyes, dry nose, limping or other pain are all indications that something is wrong. That something may be a painful or infected fatty tumor mass. Or, it may be something else.
The point is to get your lab to the vet.
Take care of him or her.
After all, your dog is your best friend and deserves your loving care!
Related Questions
Are these fatty tumors dangerous? Sometimes. As previously noted, lipomas that become large or intrusive to other tissues can become dangerous. Even though the fatty tumor itself is benign, the functions of those other tissues or organs can be impeded by a large, intruding lipoma. When this occurs the fatty tumor is no longer simple and harmless. The tumor has morphed into a rarer intrusive lipoma. In this condition, your vet will probably recommend surgical removal and/or radiation treatment. This requires hospitalization of your beautiful Lab and follow up radiation therapy.
Do obese dogs have more fatty tumors than lean dogs? Most Vets will tell you that fatty tumors can occur in any dog regardless whether the dog is obese, thin or fit. They are certainly entitled to their opinions. In fact, that may be true for many dog breeds. But Labs, Golden Retrievers, Chesapeake, and several other sporting and non-sporting breeds do appear to be predisposed to these benign tumors. Body condition and other factors also seem to influence the occurrence and development of these tumors.
It’s a known fact that body condition, as measured by Body Mass Index (BMI), is directly affected by diet, exercise, and genetics. Many dog breeders, owners, and vets know from experience that fat and skinny dogs suffer more frequent fatty tumors than athletic dogs. That opinion is admittedly based on anecdotal observations. But remember, the opinion that a dog’s body weight or condition is not a fatty tumor factor is also anecdote-based. As previously mentioned, there have been no statistically reliable studies done to test any fatty tumor cause and effect relationships in dogs.
What’s the takeaway? Don’t let your dog get fat. Feeding a healthy meat-based diet and giving him or her plenty of good exercise is key. If your dog is too thin then a vet exam and consultation is needed. Fatty tumors may not be a factor, but they could be. Regardless of your dog’s body condition take him to the vet if you find a lump(s) or any other unusual health or behavioral issue.
What other factors might cause these tumors? Heredity, age, diet, exercise, and body condition are all probable causes. While these factors may not be the primary cause, they are certainly influencers. Until significant, independent research proves an exact cause or causes we will not know the answer. Will that happen? Probably not.
What’s the takeaway? Pay attention to your Lab’s overall condition. Frequently examine his or her skin and hair coat for any unusual developments. Feed a nutritionally balanced meat-based diet. Always provide plenty of free-choice fresh, clean water. There are a lot of toxic heavy metal and biological contaminants present in our tap water these days. Consider providing clean, filtered water for your best friend.
Bonus: even if you don’t find the odd lump on your Lab, he or she will love the frequent pets, rubs and brushing you give. You’ll be rewarded with the Lab’s unconditional love and bonding in return.
