If you feel a small, round lump just beneath your dog's skin, it may be a sebaceous cyst. This is a fairly common, benign lesion caused by a blocked sebaceous gland. Such lumps are usually smooth, move easily under your fingers and sometimes release a whitish substance. In most cases, cysts pose no danger and cause your dog no pain. However, if you notice the lesion growing, becoming red, starting to bleed or your dog scratching it, a veterinary visit may be necessary.
It helps to know what a cyst looks like, when you can simply monitor it and when action is needed. Understanding the symptoms and possible treatments will help you care for your pet's health and comfort.
What is a lipoma in dogs?
Lipomas are soft, well-defined, movable lumps beneath a dog's skin. They are usually painless and appear in middle-aged or older dogs, particularly those that are overweight. They most commonly occur on the trunk, neck or limbs, but can develop anywhere there is subcutaneous fatty tissue. These lesions grow slowly and, importantly, do not invade surrounding tissue, which distinguishes them from more dangerous tumours such as liposarcomas.
Not every lipoma needs immediate treatment. Surgical removal is considered when a lump grows rapidly, restricts movement, presses on nearby structures or becomes ulcerated. In other cases, regular observation is sufficient - it is worth monitoring the lesion's size and consistency during veterinary visits. Lipomas do not disappear on their own, and topical treatment or attempts to squeeze them do not work. That is why an accurate diagnosis is so important to distinguish this benign lesion from other, potentially dangerous soft tissue tumours.
How to recognise a lipoma: symptoms and appearance
How can you recognise a lipoma in your dog? Look for:
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A soft, subcutaneous mass, easily moved under your fingers
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No pain on touching - most lipomas are painless
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Tumour shape - usually round or oval
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Size - from a few millimetres to several centimetres
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Location - most often on the trunk, chest, limbs or neck
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Consistency - lipomas feel like soft dough
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No attachment to deeper tissues - the lump moves beneath the skin
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Normal-looking skin above the lesion - no redness, ulceration or other changes
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No general symptoms - your dog usually retains their appetite and is not lethargic
Consult your vet if:
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The lump grows rapidly
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There is a change in its consistency or shape
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There are skin changes above the lipoma (e.g. redness or ulceration)
Causes and risk factors for lipomas in dogs
Lipomas develop through abnormal multiplication of mature fat cells (adipocytes) in subcutaneous tissue or slightly deeper in connective tissue. Although their exact cause is still not fully understood, several factors increase the risk of their occurrence:
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Age - lipomas most often develop in middle-aged and older dogs
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Sex - females, particularly spayed females, are more susceptible
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Obesity and lack of exercise - excess fatty tissue may encourage tumour development
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Genetic factors - some breeds are particularly susceptible, including Labradors, Dachshunds, Dobermanns, Miniature Schnauzers and Weimaraners
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Metabolic disorders - an underactive thyroid or liver problems may also increase the risk
Understanding these factors helps you care better for your dog's health, especially if you notice a new lesion beneath their skin. Early recognition and informed observation can help both with prevention and with taking prompt action when needed.
Diagnosis and distinguishing lipomas from other tumours
Although lipomas are among the most common benign tumours in dogs, it is always worth confirming that this is what you are dealing with. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to rule out more dangerous lesions, such as malignant tumours.
The first step is a physical examination - your vet assesses the lump's location, consistency and mobility in relation to surrounding tissue. However, touch alone is not enough for a definitive diagnosis. The most commonly used and highly effective diagnostic method is fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) - taking a sample of cells from the lump using a fine needle. This sample is analysed to identify the tissue type and rule out conditions such as sarcomas. For deep-seated, rapidly growing or unusually structured lumps, additional imaging tests - ultrasound or X-rays. These help assess the lesion's structure and its relationship with neighbouring tissues.
If aspiration does not provide a clear answer, your vet may recommend a biopsy, which allows the nature of the lump to be determined more precisely. This comprehensive approach provides diagnostic certainty and helps select the best course of action for your dog's health.
Treatment options and surgical removal of lipomas
Treatment of lipomas in dogs depends on several factors: the tumour's size, location and growth rate, and your pet's overall health. If the lesion is small, does not interfere with your dog's daily life and causes no pain, your vet may suggest regular monitoring without surgery.
Surgery becomes necessary when:
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the tumour grows rapidly,
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it causes discomfort or pain,
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it restricts movement.
Standard surgery involves removing the entire lesion under general anaesthesia. The vet ensures the tumour is fully removed with so-called clear margins, reducing the risk of recurrence. For more difficult locations or large lipomas, newer methods may be used, such as electrocoagulation or gentle tissue dissection, which help limit bleeding and support healing.
Appropriate postoperative care is very important:
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monitoring the wound,
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pain management,
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restricting physical activity,
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keeping the surgical site clean.
Your vet will also arrange follow-up visits to assess healing and ensure the tumour has not returned. Early action and well-performed surgery are the best way to help your dog recover quickly and enjoy life without restrictions.
Summary
If you notice a lump on your dog's body, do not ignore it - prompt veterinary assessment is essential to distinguish a benign lipoma from other lesions, such as sebaceous cysts or malignant tumours. Early diagnosis helps identify the right approach, whether monitoring or surgical removal. Understanding the clinical features, risk factors and treatment options allows you to make informed decisions for your dog's health and comfort. Be proactive and consult your vet about any new or changing lumps.
