fatty lump

Question
QUESTION: Hi I took my 7 year old cocker spaniel to the vets about 5 weeks ago as I discovered a small jelly like lump which moves about internally on her chest it doesn't affect her in any way. The vet said it is probably a fatty lump which they could aspirate but just to leave it for now. I have noticed since then it has doubled in size so have made another vets appointment but don't really want to be told just to leave it again as it is a fatty lump. Does aspirating the lump cause any distress to the animal as I am wondering why they have just told me to leave it.
Would be grateful of your help.

ANSWER: Your vet is probably right and it's a fatty Lipoma.  However they can get large enough to be a problem and it's no big deal for the vet to aspirate it to determine exactly what it is.  Aspiration is simply an incredibly tiny needle that is inserted to collect some cells to analyze.  No distress to the dog at all.

If it's increased in size I wouldn't hesitate to have it aspirated - takes a few seconds and the dog will barely notice.  It'll set your mind at ease and that's important too.

At age 7 they do get these types of "lumps" and perhaps when you next have her teeth cleaned they can simply remove it while she's under anesthetic anyway.

The most important thing (and why your vet isn't worried) is that it's an easily "moveable" lump and not attached to anything.
You can do some reading on it - just type in Canine Fatty Lipomas
and that may set your mind at ease.
Delores

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Delores
I am so sorry i sent you a follow up email but since that i have rung my vets as i have been sat here worried and the nurse has told me that my husband has got the word wrong and the vet is checking for exactly what you said "limpoma" rather than "lymphoma" so sorry to bother you. Thank you anyway.

Answer
Well, I'm totally relieved :)   Now there's a lesson - don't send husbands and expect to get an accurate report :).

It's most likely a fatty lipoma and they're benign growths but I'd still have it removed next time pup has his teeth cleaned or is under anesthetic for any reason - especially if it continues to grow.

I still don't get why your vet didn't do an instant analysis unless this is really an under-equipped clinic.  Is he sending the cell sample out to a lab?  Why does he now think it's too hard to be a lipoma...or did your husband get that wrong too? :)
Delores