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My dog has a lump on its leg. Is it a fatty tumor? When to worry?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 5 years old

This lump appeard on my dog leg does look like a fatty skin lump.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Vanessa Yeager DVM MPH

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2018

Hi there and thanks for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The mass you took a picture of does not look like a fatty mass. Fatty masses or fatty tumors are typically felt underneath the skin and often feel like a hard boiled egg. This appears to be something different perhaps. I would have this evaluated by Sadie's veterinarian where they will take a small sample of the mass to determine what it may be. This is the only definitive way to diagnose masses or tumors. One the results come in, your veterinarian will be able to determine whether it is something of concern or not and if it needs to be removed. I hope this helps and thanks again for posting on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on February 8th, 2018

    Hi there! Fatty tumors (also called lipomas) are found under the skin rather than on the surface, and do not have any hair loss or color change associated with them. I can't say for sure what this growth is without being able to palpate it and possibly take a needle aspirate for testing, but it does not appear to be a fatty tumor. I would recommend taking your dog to the vet to have this checked when you are able to. He/she can take an aspirate or biopsy of the mass to find out what it is, and will advise you on whether it needs to be removed depending on the results.

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