Large fatty lump removal on an old dog

[myfitbitisfucked]

My beautiful almost thirteen year old girl has two fatty lumps in almost identical places behind each front leg. They’ve been monitored over the years and biopsies have consistently shown them to have no cancer cells. They’ve grew quite considerably and quickly over the last two months so back to the vets for more biopsies. No cancer cells have been ground form extensive testing. So we have a consultation to discuss next steps: almost certain the vets want them removed under GA and that any form of draining etc is not an option.
im a bit worried about her having surgery although she did have some recently for removal of a oral tumour that thankfully was caught and didn’t spread to her lymph nodes etc.
has anyone else’s older dog had surgery for fatty lumps to be removed and if so how did they cope?

If it is the anaesthetic that worries you they can do preliminary pre op organ function tests to check if they think she will cope with surgery..... It's a bit extra but worth it imo. Our 11 yo lurcher needed half her teeth out!!

Unless these lumps are hindering your dog's movement or are clearly uncomfortable for her then tbh I'd leave them. My 10yo lab has a large fatty lump (cancer free on checks) which has grown to the size of a large orange on his side. The vet said to leave it as there was no point putting him under GA unless absolutely necessary. If he needed an urgent op for something else, then we could maybe consider getting the lump removed at the same time. But I won't be putting him under GA for just the lump on its own.

Not for fatty lumps but my 18 year old dog with heart problems had several teeth out under GA two years ago (so when she was 16) and coped just fine. We put it off for quite a while because we were worried about how she would cope, but when it got to the point that they were causing her pain and infection we decided that we’d have to take the risk. We had lots of discussions with the vet first and they did all they could to mitigate the risks, monitored her closely and she sailed through.

It gave her a new lease of life for a while, but we have now reached the point where she needs another op. It’s a real worry, but we’ve talked it through with the vet and she’s going in next week. Just praying she’ll make it through safely. Although she’s old, she seems generally very happy and she’s still as loving and good natured as ever.

My dog had these and the vet never remotely suggested surgery. Why would it be necessary??

Because fatty lumps on a dogs leg can very quickly cause issues with the joints and impact movement - which can lead to pain.

Where non-cancerous lumps, warts etc, are located will dramatically affect whether a surgery is necessary.

I've just had a 'cosmetic' surgery done of my Goldie - wart on her eyelid. Not necessary, given it wasn't cancerous, but entirely necessary given the location.

Thanks everyone for your comments, much appreciated.
I have had her bloods and pre op checks done before for the melanoma removal so will do all those again. as some of you say it’s a worry when they get older!
The lumps are located on exactly the same place and have in the last two months or so really started to affect her gait and enjoyment of walks which librela and rheumocam along with dietary changes had really improved. She was able to jump up on the sofas again much to her delight but as these lumps got bigger that’s stopped too.

We went to the vets yesterday. The blood work has come back as clear and she has been booked in to have them removed in ten days time. Fingers crossed it all goes smoothly and it means she can enjoy her walks and getting about with more ease again 🤞🏻

Sorry to change the subject slightly but does anyone have a recommendation for food for senior dog that needs to loose weight. Thanks

My lab has alot of fatty lumps. When he was almost 14 one lump seemed to be different to the rest and we agreed to a biopsy under ga. it turned out the lump was under a muscle and the vet decided to remove the lump while he was there. The recovery was awful. Wound was about 15cm under his belly Needed stronger painkillers,Wound got infected so then needed antibiotics. We had to be supercareful he didnt do anything to stretch the wound. He was miserable and wouldnt leave my side for weeks. It was the recovery that was so awful for him, he sailed through the op himself. Your situation sounds slightly different as his mobility is being restricted. Make sure you get strong painkillers and clear your diary for a few weeks so you can look after him while hes recovering 💐

@defnotadomesticgoddess thanks for sharing your experience of this. I am sorry your poor dog had such a protracted and painful recovery.
The vet has said these lumps are adversely affecting her mobility and as it’s safe to operate they need to go. I mostly wfh and am off for two weeks the fortnight after the week she has the procedure for school Easter hols so all being well and my mum lives nearby too for dog babysitting so hoping she will not be left along for too much. She’s very good with taking medicine and stuff so if she is on meds for a while after I don’t anticipate a problem with getting her to take them. Famous last words!

No sorry, but you will find they naturally get skinny as they get elderly. I would let them enjoy their food. One of mine is thin now and still eats the same, was overweight before