Fatty deposit

[Murph and Me]

So Murphy has on his stomach some fatty deposit that the Vet has checked in the past and said no big deal he said. It has gotten bigger of late. It feels like a small balloon. Does not bother him when you squish it around. I'm going to bring him in for another checkup of it. I trust the vet but it doesn't hurt to ask here in the group if anyone has had any history with a similar situation. and if so what did you do about it. Thanks in advance.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Many, many of our doodles have or have had lipomas, which are benign harmless fatty tumors. It sounds like that's what Murphy has, and if so, your vet is correct that it is absolutely no big deal. They do often get bigger, and sometimes it's recommended to remove them if they impede movement, are too close to certain organs, or cause some other problem, Otherwise, you can just let them be. It's a good idea to always have a needle biopsy done when there is a new one. After that, you just keep an eye on them. They do get bigger, but very rapid sudden growth or other changes warrants a look by the vet.

Jackdoodle had several lipomas, a couple of them as big as tennis balls. I never did a thing about them other than an initial needle biopsy and montoring them, and they never caused him any pain, discomfort, or other problems. 

Others here have had lipomas removed for various reasons. If you do a search here in the Health Group Discussion section, you will find many posts about lipomas.

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

GracieDoodle had fatty deposits and whenever we had teeth cleaned, while under, I had them removed.  She had a large one on her chest and as it got bigger she would press on it when she would lay down with her legs out straight.  We elected to have it removed and she healed nicely.  The vet felt it was best to remove it before it started going into her arm pits and making the surgery difficult later on.  Instead of a cone we used a tee shirt that we would tie in a knot up on her back.  She was always the best patient and never needed a cone.  I hope this helps you.  

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

Luna had one, so did my Bichon (who lived to almost 19 years old, she had lots).  Didn't seem to bother them so we left them alone.

I actually have some too and so does my DH, they are quite common even in people.  I get mine removed occasionally (as in... I get a few removed every 5-10 years) because they are on my scalp and they get annoying as they grow.

[Bonnie and Kona]

Kona has had fatty deposits since he was about 1 1/2. He has a huge one on his side. It has been checked several times. Once it was infected. Other than that he is a lumpy guy now at age 12. They are lipoma. 

One of our Goldens had them and the other didn't. Owen has not had one yet and he is 9.