Originally Posted by
Jackie in Tampa
from here they look like fatty tumors..just guessing..
a vet would be able to aspirate them and have a better idea.. generally these tumors are benign, and often, even if removed, they come back.
I would try the steroid treatment first, unless you do have a vet willing to try, of course that is the best advise, in a perfect world.
Here is a very brief basic article that will help you understand the nature of them and why I would think this.
I also had surgery on my dog to remove two and my 10 y/o sq also has them under his chin on his neck. He s too old to treat, but so far he is fine. Generally these tumors are slow to grow.
Oral Prednisone dosed at 2mg/kg SID is what I would do.
good luck... yes he is gorgeous. How much does he weigh?
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lipomas (fatty tumors).
These tumors are nonpainful, round, moveable masses that have a soft, doughy feel. They are generally slow-growing, usually benign and found in subcutaneous tissue (just below the skin and above the muscle). They can, however, be found in deeper tissues, such as the dividing walls of muscles, abdominal organs, in the mouth, inner ear and more.
Solitary lipomas are more common in women, while multiple lipomas are more common in men.
These tumors generally do not have a known cause, but for some (mostly in men), they are caused by a genetic condition called hereditary multiple lipomatosis. It is characterized by widespread, symmetric lipomas usually appearing over the arms, legs, chest and abdomen. This condition can be associated with Gardner’s syndrome, which also includes intestinal polyposis (many tumors or polyps within the intestine), cysts and osteomas (bone tumors).
Treatment is relatively simple. For small (under 1-inch-diameter) lipomas, some physicians use injectable steroids. The steroids cause the lipoma to shrink and sometimes to disappear.
Enucleation can also be used for small lesions. It is done by making a small incision, removing the tumor from the surrounding tissues and then pulling it (whole and intact) through the small incision. Stitches are rarely needed.
Finally, for small and large lipomas, some doctors perform liposuction. This is most effective for areas where large scars should be avoided. One drawback to this procedure is that complete elimination of the tumor is very difficult.
The most effective way to remove lipomas is through surgical excision. Tumors near the surface of the skin can often be removed in the office with a local anesthetic. However, removal of large, deep tissue or multiple lipomas should be done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.
Lipomas generally do not interfere with normal body function. However, if they become painful, large, are fast growing, impede movement or become noticeable under clothing, removal is recommended. Most general surgeons are willing to remove them, and some even recommend removal of all lipomas because some cancerous tumors can mimic the benign lipomas.
Removal of the lipomas is generally safe, if you are having difficulty as a result of the size, number and location of your lipomas, you should have them removed.