Lumpy Lab Mix

Mrs.JLC

I have a 10 year old lab mix that has an issue with recurring lipomas. He has had surgery twice in the last 18 months to remove some of the lipomas due to location and size. During his most recent check up we determined that he has nearly 3 times as many lipomas as he did this spring. With the exception of one of them all are approximately 1 cm.  The large one is almost the size of a golf ball but thankfully it is not currently bothering him. I know that lipomas are fairly common in labs but I am wondering if anyone has any suggestion on slowing their growth. I would like to avoid putting him through surgery over and over again however if a lipoma becomes so large that it causes discomfort or impedes his movement I feel we have no other choice.  Has anyone had any success with changes in diet or ???? to reduce and/or slow the growth of lipomas on their dog?  Also, he has digestive issues and is currently Proviable (AM) and Tylan powder (PM) as well as a high quality food. I feel as if the growth rate of the lipomas increased after we began these medications but the vet feels it is a coincidence.  I intend to do some additional research on my own but thought that someone here might have some helpful feedback. TIA!!

Note: While the cost of additional surgeries is concerning my bigger concern is that he really hasn't ever completely 'bounced back' from either of his surgeries.

aggiebug

Unfortunately there aren't any good solutions to stop/ slow their growth. The only thing I can suggest is making sure your pup is at a proper weight. Obese dogs are more likely to have multiple fatty tumors so keeping them trim and fit can help. Good luck.

Mrs.JLC

Thank you for the reply. While not what I wanted to hear I cannot locate any information (anywhere) that would indicate there is a way to slow their growth. He is very fit and trim. He walks 1.5-2 miles/day and goes to doggie daycare 1-2 times a week. We are very careful about what we feed him due to his sensitive belly. Poor guy. I guess we will just have to continue to remove them as they bother him.  

aggiebug

Sorry. Lipomas are usually a good diagnosis, but sometimes they can be really frustrating.

Mrs.JLC

Thanks. I know it could be much worse. He just doesn't seem to handle the anethesia well and the surgeries just seem to age him a bit. Thankfully it isn't cancer and hopefully even with additional surgeries he should be around for another few years. He will either just look like Franken Dog or like he was attacked by a weed wacker.