Dog Lipoma Removal Cost and Procedure Guide

Noticing a soft, squishy lump under your dog’s skin can be concerning. These fatty tumors, known as lipomas, are common in dogs, especially as they age. While most lipomas are harmless and don’t require treatment, some can grow large enough to cause discomfort, restrict movement or interfere with daily activities. When deciding whether to remove a lipoma, it’s essential to consider your dog’s comfort, surgical side effects and overall health.

Below, we’ll cover when lipoma removal is necessary, what to expect from the procedure, anticipated costs and how to care for your pup postsurgery.

What Is a Lipoma in Dogs?

A lipoma — also called a fatty tumor or adipose tumor — is a benign tumor commonly found in older dogs. Lipomas can technically grow anywhere in or on the body but are most often seen under the skin. (A fatty tumor growing between the muscle layers is called an infiltrative lipoma.) They may grow quickly or slowly, though these kinds of tumors usually aren’t problematic unless they are in a place like an armpit, throat or between your dog’s legs.

Causes

Dogs can have multiple lipomas that all grow at different rates, but importantly, they don’t metastasize (spread to other parts of the body). Veterinarians don’t know why one pet might develop a tumor over another, as very few cancers and tumors have a single known cause.

Diagnosis

If you find a lump on your pup, your veterinarian will likely start the diagnosis procedure with a fine needle aspiration (FNA). The doctor will poke the lump with a fine needle and suction a sample of cells from the lump into a syringe for testing.

If the FNA isn’t conclusive, a biopsy may be needed, which is when the vet surgically removes a small piece of the tumor for testing. Sometimes, a vet may recommend a CT scan to get a better look, too.

Treatment

The most effective way to treat a canine lipoma is to remove it surgically. If you treat it early, while the tumor is still small, the procedure and recovery can be less invasive and easier for your dog.

Important note: There is a fatty tumor called a liposarcoma that is malignant and requires more aggressive treatment, but these are uncommon.

Dog Lipoma Removal Cost

The average cost of removing a simple lipoma on a dog ranges from $250 to $700. If your dog has an infiltrative lipoma, you may expect to pay $1,000 to $1,800. These amounts don’t include any diagnostic tests.¹

Average cost to remove a canine lipoma by type

Below are the average costs of the two kinds of fatty tumor removal for dogs:¹

Pet health insurance may cover this procedure if your dog wasn’t diagnosed with the lipoma before you signed up for coverage. Always check your policy or call your pet insurance company to double-check your dog’s specific coverage.

How Does Lipoma Removal Surgery Work?

Here's an overview of the fatty tumor removal process, including what to expect during the procedure and how to prepare for it.

Preparation

The procedure requires your dog to be put under anesthesia, so your vet may do some pre-op blood work to make sure all of your dog’s organs are functioning properly.

Your veterinarian will give you instructions on what to do about feeding your dog before the procedure. In most cases, you will have to stop feeding your dog the night before the procedure, but your dog can be — and should be — offered water until you take them to the clinic.

Before anesthesia, your dog will be given a sedative to help calm their nerves, and the medical team will place an IV catheter. They will then shave and clean the lipoma area.

Procedure

Simple lipomas can often be removed with a small incision. Sometimes bigger lipomas leave a space that can fill up with fluid, so your vet might insert a drain to help prevent the fluid buildup.

Infiltrative tumors require a more aggressive procedure that includes the removal of muscle or fascia that are involved with the tumor.

Possible Side Effects or Complications

With any surgery, there is the potential for complications, and when removing a fatty tumor in a dog, this can include incision infection or a reaction to the anesthesia. It’s estimated that 1 in 100,000 animals will have a harmful reaction to anesthesia, but the potential of death to dogs is very low at 0.17%.

Recovery From Fatty Tumor Removal

Most dogs can go home the day of surgery unless a more intensive surgery is required, and then your dog may need to stay overnight. The vet will send them home with pain-relieving medication.

In the following days, keep an eye on the incision and make sure there’s no discharge or redness. You may need to get your dog a cone or inflatable collar to keep them from licking their incision and causing an infection. Your dog may also be restricted from exercising for about three to four weeks after surgery.

The Takeaway on Lipomas in Dogs

Fatty tumors, or lipomas, are a common part of aging for many dogs. While most fatty tumors are harmless, monitoring their size and location is essential for your pet’s overall well-being, and surgical removal may be the appropriate course of action. Understanding the diagnosis process, treatment options and recovery expectations can help you make an informed decision. Always consult with your veterinarian to determine the best approach for your dog’s specific needs.

Financing Dog Lipoma Removal With the CareCredit Credit Card

Your dog is your best friend, and you want to make sure they get the very best. That's why the CareCredit credit card is here to help you manage the costs of diagnostics and treatment for conditions like lipomas.* Use our Acceptance Locator to find a veterinarian near you that accepts CareCredit. CareCredit is there for you and your pet every step of the way; continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to pet care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Expert Reviewer

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth), V.M.D.

Dr. Kathy Wiederkehr (Wentworth) has been practicing veterinary medicine at pet care facilities in California since 2001. Most recently, she served as medical director of the VCA PetPoint Medical Center and Resort in Irvine. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and became board-certified as a diplomate in Canine and Feline Practice by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in 2010.

Author Bio

Abbie Mood is a freelance writer with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked with clients of all sizes to create compelling content and she has written for the American Kennel Club, Marriott Bonvoy, Women’s Health Online, Headspace and more.