Lipoma in Labrador, do we have it removed?

flurrydor

flurrydor

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Our 7yr old bitch has a lipoma on the left side of her chest, which has enlarged by 30% in the 6 months since we noticed it; it is now the size of a large orange and is beginning to cause a slight alteration in her gait at the front.

We have been having it checked every 6-8 weeks and today the vet says that we will need to decide about whether to have it removed or to let her live with it. This is because if we let it get much bigger it will be more difficult and more traumatic to remove.

So that's my dilemma put her through surgery that is not strictly necessary or leave her with this lump which, although disfiguring, does not bother her one bit. She is the most beautiful natured dog, but is quite 'needy' and has a very low pain threshold, so the immediate post surgery period would be traumatic for all of us. She will have quite a large incision and will need a drain for a day or so. It's a horrid decision to have to make, so I would be so grateful for any advice or any experiences. I just love her so much and I need to make sure I do what is right for her. Thanks for reading.
 
Personally, knowing nothing about the medical pros and cons, I would get it removed if it is affecting her walking. Also, if it ends up the size of a melon it will be dragging her skin to one side, so best removed IMO.
 
I would get it removed. If it is causing her gait to be altered, this could potentially get worse and be putting strain on her legs and hips....causing further issues down the line. An important thing to consider in a breed that is well known for their hip and elbow problems.

Better to get it removed now while she is only 7 years old. If it got bigger as she got older then she may be facing multiple surgeries in order to de-bulk the mass, and as she gets older the anaesthesia may become riskier.

Ask for pre-op bloods prior to her surgery just to make sure everything else is ok. The post op period is only going to be a few days, so long as you follow the vets advice re: post-op care.

Good luck :)
 
Why would you leave it and risk it getting bigger and being debilitating or worse causing pain and distress, it will also be a more complicated and risky surgery as she gets older and the mass more difficult to remove?
At 7 yrs she is not old surgically speaking unless she is comprised in other ways.
 
I'd also get it removed. I expect the point will come (if left) that you could loose the dog if it continues to grow at its current rate.
 
I would definately remove that sooner rather then later. Its growing and affecting gait....the longer its left the larger it will be and the longer the anaesthetic time and risk of wound breakdown. Its sounds like its in a high motion area as well which isnt ideal so again while its smaller get it off.
7 is not old at all so as long as shes otherwise healthy and not fat(like so many labs tend to be) she should be fine.

Lipomas can occasionally recurr but its not very common thankfully.
 
As long as she is otherwise fit and healthy I would definitely get it removed now. If it is already affecting her gait that will surely have a knock on effect to other areas of her body and could create bigger problems. If it continues to grow then it will need to be removed at some point anyway, so far better sooner rather than later.
 
Thanks everyone for taking the time and trouble to offer your advice and opinions; they were much appreciated. Everyone I have spoken to has said that they would get it removed. Surgery is now booked for next Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for us.
 
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