Fatty Soft Mass

Question
I HAVE A 8 YEAR OLD TOY POODLE,,IT HAS A SMALL SOFT FATTY MASS ON RIGHT UNDER SIDE ABOUT SIZE OF QUARTER.,,,IT DOES MOVE WHEN TOUCHED AND IS VERY SOFT..MY VET SAID THIS NEED TAKEN OFF,,BUT,,I LOOKED IT UP,,AND,,REALLY NET SAYS,,IF THIS IS NOT BOTHERING THE DOG,,NO PROBLEM,, I DO NOT WANT TO PUT DOG UNDER NO MORE PAIN THAN HE HAS TO ..
 PLEASE ..CAN YOU ADVISE,,I HAVE HIM SCHEDULED FOR REMOVAO,,11,19. BUT,,I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO,,,,MANY THANKS,,,PAUL

Answer
This most likely *is* a fatty tumor, but did the vet do a needle aspiration on it to verify that fact? If he didn't, one should be done as there is always a chance that the mass could be cancerous.

Yes, fatty tumors can be left if they are not in a troublesome area that might eventually affect the dog's movement, breathing, etc. (ie. near the dog's elbow or throat), if it should grow larger. Any surgeries are better done sooner (now) than later when the dog is older, but do know that fatty tumors can come back if every single bit of the tumor is not removed.

If your dog is overweight, get the excess off... and keep him *slightly* on the thin side, as that will affect the size of any fatty tumors. You should be able to feel his ribs easily without having to hunt for them.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.