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22/08/2025

20/08/2025

Hepatic Lipidosis In Cats (Fatty Liver Syndrome)

Hepatic lipidosis in cats is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver and causes severe damage. Treatment of hepatic lipidosis is essential to save the cat's life. Hepatic lipidosis in cats is a common liver disease where fat accumulates within the liver and causes severe damage and subsequent liver failure. Disease progression is rapid and cats with this condition are generally debilitated with their liver function degrading rapidly. If a cat has been diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis, immediate treatment should be sought by a veterinarian, who will perform diagnostic tests on your pet and give treatment as necessary. If you notice symptoms of hepatic lipidosis in your cat such as loss of yellowing to the skin and eyes, loss of appetite, weight loss, or lethargy, contact your veterinarian immediately to assess what diagnosis is best for your cat. Hepatic lipidosis is the most common liver disease diagnosed in cats in North America and it is uncommon in dogs.

What are the causes of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome) in cats?

Fatty liver disease in cats often develops secondarily to other diseases but can also be idiopathic (i.e. no distinct reason why it occurs). The most prevalent underlying diseases in one research study of 71 cats with hepatic lipidosis were gastrointestinal disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), pancreatitis, and cholangitis (inflammatory liver disease). In that study of feline hepatic lipidosis, idiopathic causation was indicated in 28% of the cases.

hepatic lipidosis in cats (fatty liver syndrome)
Cats are prone to developing fatty liver disease, which most commonly occurs in anorexic, obese cats. When obese cats become anorexic (i.e. stop eating), this will cause the fatty stores throughout the body to mobilize fats to the liver to be used for energy, therefore, resulting in fatty liver disease. Fats accumulate within the liver faster than they can be converted and used for energy. The individual liver cells called hepatocytes swell and their membranes become damaged. The flow of bile throughout the liver also becomes compromised secondary to compression from the enlarged hepatic cells on the bile ducts. Damage to hepatic cells is severe and the liver becomes unable to function effectively.

Clinical symptoms of fatty liver disease may include:

anorexia (loss of appetite)
jaundice and icterus (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
vomiting
lethargy
hypersalivation
weight loss

Other feline hepatic lipidosis symptoms may be noted that would be related to concurrent, underlying disease. For example, if your cat has unregulated diabetes that is contributing to hepatic lipidosis, you may also notice excessive thirst and urination. Pancreatitis for instance can contribute to abdominal pain and discomfort and result in the development of hepatic lipidosis.

Diagnosing hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome) in cats
To properly diagnose a cat with hepatic lipidosis, your veterinarian will perform a detailed physical exam and take a thorough history. Many affected cats will have a 5-7 day history of not eating. Hepatic lipidosis causes weight loss (up to 50% of body weight) that is relatively recent and rapid in cats. Diagnostic tests that your veterinarian may perform include:

Routine blood work - This will evaluate the red and white blood cells, and different liver enzyme levels such as ALT, ALP, AST, and GGT. Bilirubin levels are also evaluated and increased bilirubin pigment in the blood contributes to jaundice (yellow skin). As many cats with hepatic lipidosis are hypokalemic (low potassium levels), electrolytes should be evaluated as well. Kidney parameters are also checked which helps interpret dehydration and renal function.

Liver function tests - The most common liver function test available to veterinarians is bile acids. A bile acid assay is performed by measuring bile acids (blood sample) in the fasted pet, feeding, and then measuring bile acids again in 2 hours. This test is not necessary if your cat is jaundiced (yellow skin) or if the bilirubin counts are elevated on blood work, as the bile acid test would be abnormal.

Coagulation profile - Many cats with hepatic lipidosis are deficient in their blood clotting mechanisms. Whether your veterinarian feels it necessary to test your cat's coagulation depends on the symptoms, diagnostic, and treatment procedures. For example, a coagulation profile should be performed before performing a liver biopsy.

Abdominal ultrasound - The appearance of the liver on ultrasound can be very suggestive of fatty liver disease. Other abnormalities may be present depending on the presence of concurrent diseases (e.g. pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease).

Liver biopsy - A hepatic lipidosis diagnosis is confirmed by a liver biopsy. This is performed under sedation with a small, hollow needle that takes a tiny piece of the liver tissue. Expectations for this procedure include no hepatic discomfort and quick recovery without complications.

Treatment of hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome) in cats
Treatment should begin immediately in a cat diagnosed with hepatic lipidosis or hepatic lipidosis in cats. Your veterinarian will administer intravenous fluids will correct dehydration and reduce the workload on your kitty’s kidneys. The intravenous fluids will help replenish lost electrolytes, especially potassium.

Nutritional assistance is one of the most crucial elements of the treatment plan for fatty liver disease. As there is a risk of food aversion, forced feeding is not recommended. Most anorexic patients require the insertion of a feeding tube. Naso-esophageal tube feeding may be used initially, but because the small tube size only allows for liquid meals, it is not generally recommended. Because esophageal tubes are typically safe, easy to place, allow for canned food administration, and have fewer issues than other types, they are the best alternative (e.g. stomach tube). The feeding tube will be required until your cat starts eating on its own and the length of time varies from cat to cat. On average, the feeding tube is in place for 5-7 days. If the owner is comfortable feeding food via the feeding tube, most cats can be discharged from the hospital with the tube in place.

Frequently asked questions about fatty liver disease in cats
What is the survival rate for cats with fatty liver disease?
The prognosis for cats with hepatic lipidosis is determined by the presence of underlying diseases and whether they can be treated effectively. Most cats (>80%) with hepatic lipidosis make a full recovery with the appropriate treatments.

What is refeeding syndrome?

Refeeding syndrome is a life-threatening complication that can occur when food is reintroduced to the body and occurs 24-48 hours after feeding. Refeeding syndrome can be prevented by slowly introducing food and gradually increasing the amounts of calories day by day. If your cat has hepatic lipidosis, it is likely they will need nutritional supplementation before discharge from the hospital. Your veterinarian should review refeeding syndrome with you and provide education about what care should be provided at home.

How long does hepatic lipidosis last and how do cats recover?

The length of hepatic lipidosis is approximately 1-3 weeks. The hepatic lipidosis disease process may take longer because it involves damage to the hepatic cells that can affect hepatic functions for weeks to months post-hepatic lipidosis. The hepatic cells will slowly regenerate and function normally again.

How to prevent fatty liver disease in cats?
There is no definitive prevention available for hepatic lipidosis. Managing and controlling concurrent diseases such as pancreatitis and IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) is important as these conditions can lead to hepatic lipidosis in cats. If you have an obese cat and they stop eating, please call your veterinarian if your cat continues to be anorexic for longer than 2-3 days, it is at risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Hepatic lipidosis in cats (fatty liver syndrome) is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver and causes severe damage. Treatment of hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease, should begin immediately when diagnosed by a veterinarian with intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and reduce kidney workload, nutritional assistance with anorexic patients requiring insertion of a feeding tube for liquid meals supplemented with food reintroduction slowly increased day-by-day if needed per vet instructions on refeeding syndrome prevention. The prognosis for hepatic lipidosis is determined by whether there are underlying diseases that can be treated effectively; most cats (>80%) make a full recovery even without treatment but hepatic cells will take weeks months to regenerate post hepatic lipidosis.

16/08/2025

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) in Cats

Feline idiopathic cystitis, also known as feline interstitial cystitis or FIC for short, is a type of feline lower urinary tract disease that causes inflammation of the bladder in cats.

“Idiopathic” means that the cause of the disease process is unknown; “interstitial” refers to the location of the inflammation in the interstitium, which is the space between the cells in the bladder. This inflammation leads to a thickening of the bladder wall, which can be seen on an ultrasound or during cystoscopy (a procedure in which a scope is used to view the bladder).

FIC causes symptoms that mimic a urinary tract infection (UTI). The key difference: a UTI is caused by bacteria, while FIC is considered a sterile disease (no bacteria are present).

That doesn’t mean FIC is harmless, however. If the inflammation becomes severe enough, it can cause an obstruction (blockage) of the urinary tract and prevent your cat from being able to urinate, which is a medical emergency. If you notice your cat is straining to urinate, contact your nearest animal hospital immediately.

Symptoms of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

Common symptoms of FIC may include:

Straining to urinate

Urinating more often (more frequent trips to the litter box)

Urinating smaller amounts more frequently

Blood in the urine

Urinating outside the litter box, especially on cool, smooth surfaces such as tile or hardwood floors

Licking excessively at the ge***al region

Crying out or meowing while urinating

Lack of energy

Decreased appetite

Vomiting or diarrhea

Decreased social interaction (hiding)

If your cat’s urethra (the tube through which urine leaves the body) has become obstructed (blocked), they will produce little to no urine and cry out often. They also will likely exhibit many of the other signs listed above. This is a medical emergency. Please seek veterinary care immediately.

Causes of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

No one knows what causes FIC. Idiopathic means that the cause of a disease process is unknown.

FIC occurs most often in young- to middle-aged cats that are less than 10 years old. Cats that are overweight are also at higher risk. Male cats are most prone to this problem, but females can also develop it. Experts believe that stress plays a role, as cats who experience sudden changes to their routine or environment and cats that live in multi-cat households are more likely to develop FIC.

How Veterinarians Diagnose Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

FIC is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that your vet will diagnose it only after ruling out all other potential conditions that might cause similar symptoms. This process can be expensive and stressful, but it is necessary.

Conditions to rule out before diagnosing FIC include:

Bladder stones
Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Urethral obstruction (blockage of the urethra); this can also occur secondary to FIC

Cancer

Acute kidney injury

Idiopathic renal hematuria, a rare condition that causes kidney bleeding

Blood clotting disorders

Toxin ingestion

Prostate disease (rare in cats)

In order to check for these other conditions, your vet might recommend one or more of the following tests:

Urinalysis

Your vet will use a small needle to pe*****te your cat’s bladder and collect a sterile sample of urine that is analyzed in a lab. (A “free catch” sample—which entails collecting urine after your cat has voided naturally—can be used, but it won’t be sterile and might lead to a false positive for a UTI.) If your cat has a UTI, lab analysis will detect bacteria in the urine. In a cat with FIC, the results will likely be abnormal (crystals, blood, protein, white blood cells, or skin cells may be present in the urine), but bacteria won’t be present.

Urine Culture

This takes urinalysis a step further by placing the sample in a petri dish and keeping it in a warm, dark incubator to allow any bacteria that might be present to grow. It’s the most accurate way to ensure your cat does not have a UTI. If your cat does have a UTI, the bacteria grown will be tested against different antibiotics to determine which ones would be most effective to treat the UTI.

Urine Protein: Creatinine Ratio (UPC)

This test compares the level of protein in the urine to the level of creatinine, a substance excreted by the kidneys. In healthy cats, the amount of protein is significantly less than the amount of creatinine. UPC is often elevated in cats with FIC.

Abdominal X-rays

A basic imaging test is often used to look for both bladder and/or kidney stones. Sometimes contrast dye is used so that the vet can see whether the urethra is blocked or thickened.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This test uses soundwaves instead of radiation to look for abnormalities in the bladder and kidneys, including stones.

Urethrocystoscopy (Scoping the Bladder)

Your vet will put a scope (thin tube with an attached camera) into the urethra and bladder to view the bladder wall and check for cancer.

Exploratory Cystotomy With Histopathology

This is a type of surgery in which the bladder is cut open so your vet can look for signs of cancer and take samples of the bladder wall to send to a lab for analysis.

Urethrocystoscopy and exploratory cystotomy are typically reserved for cats that experience persistent or frequent, recurrent episodes of FIC and are used primarily to rule out bladder cancer, which is rare in cats.

Treatment of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

Because the cause of FIC is unknown, there’s no medication that directly treats it. The most important aspect of managing FIC is to ease your cat’s discomfort. Your vet might prescribe pain relievers such as butorphanol or buprenorphine, which are low-dose opioids. Gabapentin is a drug in a different class that may also be used to control pain.

If your cat’s urethra is blocked, it will require much more extensive treatment. After the initial emergent treatment, some of the medications your vet might prescribe include, but are not limited to acepromazine, prazosin or phenoxybenzamine, which are medications designed to help the urethra relax. Unfortunately, one of the main causes of the blockage is inflammation, and these medications don’t address the underlying inflammation.

Given that inflammation is a big part of FIC, you might assume that your vet would advise taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like meloxicam. Unfortunately, no studies have demonstrated that NSAIDs help with FIC.

Some vets also recommend injections of a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSGAG) such as Adequan. This is a drug that is typically used for joint issues to help prevent the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. However, the bladder also happens to be lined by this substance. In cats with FIC, recent studies have shown that they have a breakdown of the PSGAG layer on the bladder wall, and the injections may help to replace it. While it hasn’t been directly proven, it is suspected that PSGAG injections may help cats to recover faster from an FIC episode.

Recovery and Management of Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

There are several things that can be done to help your cat recover from FIC and prevent future episodes.

Prescription Diets

One change is a switch to a prescription diet that is high in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which combat inflammation. Your vet might recommend Hill’s c/d, Hill’s c/d Multicare Urinary Stress, Royal Canin Urinary SO, or Royal Canin Multicare Urinary and Calm.

Increased Water Consumption

It has not been proven but drinking more water might help prevent FIC from returning. Feeding your cat an exclusively wet-food diet and using a water fountain may help to increase water consumption. Cats tend to like running water better than still water.

Environmental Enrichment

Environmental enrichment helps to decrease stress in cats, which is suspected to be a major factor involved in causing FIC. Increase more activity time with your cat, and consider providing extra climbing structures, viewing, and resting perches, and scratching posts. Also make sure that you’re frequently changing the litterbox and that you have an appropriate number of litterboxes in your home. It may surprise you, but the recommended number of litterboxes is one more than the number of cats you have.

Feliway

A synthetic version of a calming cat pheromone Feliway may help to decrease stress and, in turn, reduce the chances of future FIC episodes.

Other Therapies

L-Tryptophan and Alpha-Casozepine are supplements that may help to decrease stress in cats, but more research on them is needed. Acupuncture might also help cats who routinely experience FIC.

Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC) in Cats FAQs

How long does idiopathic cystitis last in cats?

Symptoms can usually go away on their own in five to seven days unless the urethra becomes blocked.

Do cats outgrow idiopathic cystitis?

No. It’s unclear why some cats have recurrent episodes, but others do not. Research has shown that 46% of cats who have an episode will never have another one, but an unlucky 12% have more than six recurrences.

Can feline idiopathic cystitis be cured?

Cats can recover from an episode of FIC. However, approximately 50% of them will have a recurrent episode within one year, so they should be monitored closely.

How long do cats with feline idiopathic cystitis live?

They can have a normal lifespan, as long as FIC is managed and treated appropriately.

16/08/2025

Urinary Bladder Cancer in Dogs

The urinary tract of dogs is comprised of two kidneys, two ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the urinary bladder), the urinary bladder, prostate gland (male dogs only), and the urethra (tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside world). The urinary bladder is the most common site of cancer in the urinary tract. This week I discuss the potential causes, diagnosis, and treatment for urinary bladder cancer in dogs.

Urinary Bladder Cancer – What causes it?

The most common cancer of the urinary bladder in dogs is called transitional cell carcinoma (also called TCC and urothelial carcinoma). This tumor arises from cells lining the inside of the urinary bladder (called transitional epithelial cells), but can invade the deeper layers of the urinary bladder. Transitional cell carcinoma can also spread to regional lymph nodes and other organs like the liver and lungs.

The definitive cause of TCC in dogs is typically not known, and is generally considered to arise from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Certain dog breeds are over-represented for developing TCC, including:

Scottish Terriers
Shetland Sheepdogs
Beagles
West Highland White Terriers
Wire Hair Fox Terriers

Scottish Terriers have an 18-20 fold higher risk of developing TCC compared to the general dog population, while the other breeds listed above have a 3-5 fold higher risk.



Early clinical studies documented an apparent risk for developing TCC with exposure to pesticides and insecticides. This association was also specifically documented in Scottish Terriers who were exposed to lawns or gardens treated with herbicides and/or insecticides. Exposed dogs were seven times more likely to develop transitional cell carcinoma, resulting in a recommendation to restrict Scottish Terriers and other at-risk breeds from lawns treated with herbicides and pesticides.

Although the most common cause of TCC in humans in smoking, a definitive relationship between secondhand smoke and the development of TCC in dogs is not yet known. A drug called cyclophosphamide has also been associated with the development of TCC in dogs.

Urinary Bladder Cancer – How is it diagnosed?

Affected dogs commonly have a variety of clinical signs, most notably:

Blood in urine (called hematuria)
Pain during urination (called dysuria)
Straining to urinate (called stranguria)
Frequently urinating only small volumes of urine (called pollakiuria)
A continual feeling of needing to defecate (called tenesmus)
The clinical signs are not specific for urinary bladder cancer, and more common conditions like urinary tract infections often have identical manifestations.

Some dogs will have a mass in or irregular feeling to their urethra and/or prostate palpable via re**al examination. Uncommonly patients may have bone pain or firm swellings of some leg bones secondary to metastatic disease (spread of cancer) or hypertrophic osteopathy, respectively. Abdominal sonography allows a veterinarian to readily identify a mass within the urinary bladder, but ultimately a diagnosis of TCC requires obtaining a biopsy.



Unlike in humans, currently there is no blood or urine test that can 100% accurately diagnose urinary bladder cancer in dogs. Researchers are actively attempting to find proteins in blood (called biomarkers) that will prove diagnostic in dogs. Biopsies from the urinary bladder are typically obtained via either surgery or cystoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using a specialized fiberoptic camera. In the video below, a veterinarian performs cystoscopy in a dog with TCC located in urinary bladder and extending into the urethra (one can see the tumor starting at 0:54).

After a patient has been diagnosed with TCC, some minimally invasive tests should ideally be performed to determine how affected by the cancer the rest of the body is. This testing is called tumor staging, and involves obtaining chest radiographs/x-rays and abdominal radiographs/x-rays (or performing abdominal sonography).

Urinary Bladder Cancer – How is it treated?

For urinary bladder tumors that have not spread to other organs, surgical removal is ideally performed. However location of the tumor within the urinary bladder is very important. Some areas of the urinary bladder (e.g.: trigone/neck of the urinary bladder; urethra) are simply not amenable to surgery. Picture the urinary bladder like a balloon. The longer yet thinner area of the balloon represents the urethra. The area where the balloon starts to widen is called the trigone or neck; important structures like the ureters insert in this location. Traditional surgery in the trigone and urethra are not feasible.

After surgery (or in patients for whom surgery is not viable), drug treatment is recommended. To date there are several protocols have been used to treat dogs living with TCC, particularly:

Treatment with a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): Several NSAIDs have been documented to have some anti-tumor activity. Piroxicam is, perhaps, the NSAID that has been studied most. The reported median survival time for dogs treated with this drug is 195 days.

Treatment with an NSAID and mitoxantrone: When an NSAID is combined with the intravenous chemotherapy drug called mioxantrone, an additional survival benefit is observed. A remission rate of 35% has been documented, and average survival rates are 250-300 days.

Treatment with vinblastine: Vinblastine is an injectable chemotherapeutic drug that been used effectively to improve quality of life in patients living with TCC.
Other drugs have been explored for the treatment of urinary bladder transitional cell carcinoma in dogs, including gemcitabine, carboplatin, and metronomic therapy. I recommend pet parents consult with a board-certified veterinary cancer specialist to help design the most appropriate treatment plan for an affected patient. In areas where a board-certified veterinary cancer specialist is not available, consultation with a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist is recommended.

Palliative therapies for transitional cell carcinoma have also been investigated, including:

Placement of a permanent cystotomy tube: A permanent cystotomy tube is a tube placed in the urinary bladder that communicates with the outside world; such a tube may be placed when an animal is no longer able to urinate because his/her urinary bladder tumor is blocking the proper flow of urine. Pet parents have to routinely open the tube to allow the urine to drain from the urinary bladder. Thus use of a permanent cystotomy tube requires exquisite at-home care to ensure a pet doesn’t disturb/damage the tube and to help reduce the likelihood of infection.
Radiation therapy: Although several protocols for providing radiation therapy to affected patients have been described, such intervention is not commonly performed due to limited availability and potentially serious side effects.
Laser therapy: Affected pets with urinary outflow obstruction may temporarily benefit from laser ablation of a urethral or trigonal urinary mass. Specialized training is required to perform such procedures. Laser ablation can be repeated when a tumor recurs locally.
Urethral stent placement: A stent is hollow structure that expands within the urethra to hold that tube open after it has been occluded by a tumor. Although temporary relief can result, side effects include urinary incontinence and migration of the stent.

Palliative therapies may add 3-4 months of good quality life when incorporated with standard chemotherapy, and some dogs have survived more than 1.5 years.

The take-away message about urinary bladder cancer in dogs…

Urinary bladder tumors are relatively uncommon, but when present, can significantly and negatively affects a patient’s quality of life. The most common urinary bladder tumor is transitional cell carcinoma. Early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are instrumental for maximizing successful outcomes. Pet parents are strongly encouraged to partner with a board-certified veterinary cancer specialist to develop the best treatment plans for their fur babies.

To find a board-certified veterinary cancer specialist, please visit the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

To find a board-certified veterinary internal medicine specialist, please visit the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Ref:

https://criticalcaredvm.com/urinary-bladder-cancer-in-dogs/

16/08/2025

Lipomas and Liposarcomas (Adipose Tumors)

What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a common, benign (harmless) fat tumor seen in middle-aged to older animals. These tumors occur often in dogs and infrequently in cats.
They can vary greatly in their rate of growth. Some may remain the same size for years, while others may grow very large.

Lipomas can become problematic if they cause discomfort for your pet or if they grow in locations that affect your pet’s ability to walk.
Lipomas can grow anywhere (even inside the abdomen), but the most common place is under the skin, where fat is normally present.
If they grow between layers of muscle, they are called infiltrative lipomas.

The malignant form of this tumor is called liposarcoma. Fortunately, these tumors usually do not spread to other places in the body, but they require more extensive surgery to control them than lipomas.

What causes this type of tumor?
The reason why a particular pet may develop this, or any tumor or cancer, is not straightforward.
Very few tumors or cancers have a single known cause.
Most seem to be caused by a complex mix of risk factors, some environmental and some genetic or hereditary.

How are these types of tumors diagnosed?
Typically, lipomas can be diagnosed by fine needle aspiration (FNA).
FNA involves taking a small needle with a syringe and suctioning a sample of cells directly from the tumor and placing them on a microscope slide.
The cells on these microscope slides can be examined by a pathologist (cytology).

In some cases, results from FNA may not be clear, and a biopsy may be necessary. A biopsy is the surgical removal of a piece of the tumor, which is then examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope (histopathology).
Histopathology helps make a definitive diagnosis. Advanced imaging, such as a CT scan, may also be recommended, especially for infiltrative lipomas or suspect liposarcomas.

How do these types of tumors typically progress?
Lipomas are benign, which means they are not cancerous and will not spread (metastasize) to the surrounding tissues or internal organs; however, these tumors may continue to grow and cause your pet discomfort if not removed.
Once removed, the likelihood of recurrence is relatively low. However, it is very common for middle-aged to older dogs to have multiple lipomas.
Every lipoma is different; some may grow rapidly, and some may take years to grow large enough to be of concern.

Liposarcomas, however, are malignant, and have a much higher recurrence after surgical removal. Multiple surgeries may be required to remove the tumors. In addition, liposarcoma can spread, although this is rare. Liposarcomas are typically treated more aggressively than lipomas.

How will this type of tumor affect my pet?
In cases of benign lipomas, removal of these masses is primarily cosmetic. Some pets develop these tumors in areas that cause discomfort and/or lameness, such as their armpit region, between their legs, or around the neck. You may see your pet exhibit an irregular gait, reluctance to stand, walk upstairs, or go for their normal walks.

How are these tumors treated?
The most effective treatment for lipomas is surgical removal. It is best to remove these masses when they are small; the surgery is usually less invasive, and the incision is much smaller and less painful for your pet. As lipomas continue to grow, surgery may become more difficult for both your veterinarian and your pet.

Liposarcomas and infiltrative lipomas may be best removed by a board-certified veterinary surgeon, as these procedures are more challenging. Post-surgical radiation therapy may be recommended for recurrent, infiltrative lipomas or liposarcomas.

One study shows promise for a steroid called triamcinolone acetate in shrinking tumors. The drug is injected directly into the lipoma to cause shrinkage, but recurrence may occur. This treatment could be considered for dogs if surgery is not an option.

Ref: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/adipose-lipoma-tumors