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Lipomas And Other Canine Lumps And Bumps - Causes

A lipoma is a growth of fat cells contained in a thin capsule, usually found just below the skin. Lipomas are most often found on the torso, neck, upper legs and armpits, but they can occur almost anywhere. Lipomas are the most common noncancerous soft tissue growth, although other lumps and bumps may appear on your dog, especially as he grows older.

I’ve been observing lipomas, lumps and bumps on dogs for 40 years and I’ve made some observations I’d like to share with you.

First of all, I want to make it clear that these growths are a sign of chronic disease and not an acute issue.

Lipomas and other fatty tumors are the body’s way of ridding itself of toxins and other unwanted material but, because the body is out of balance, it can’t eliminate toxins through normal channels such as the kidneys, liver or intestines.


When the endocrine and immune systems are not functioning at full capacity, the body does the next best thing and tries to encapsulate any unwanted material and eliminate it through the largest excretory organ of the body: the skin.

Lipomas and other fatty tumors are like a lump of dirt that you would sweep under the rug when you don’t know what else to do with it.

Statistics show that 1.7 million dogs in the United States are treated for lipomas every year.
This doesn’t include all the other lumps and bumps that appear on dogs as they reach middle age or older. I’m certain that close to a billion dollars or more is spent on the treatment of these various eruptions each year.

I don’t recommend surgical removal unless the lipoma is threatening the life of the dog.
For every one of these bumps that are removed, more will return and require further surgical removal.
As a surgeon for 25 years, I saw how removing one lump resulted in multiple lumps appearing later on in the dog’s life. This is because surgery removes only the tip of the iceberg. Surgery will do nothing to address the toxins causing the fatty tumor and will leave scar tissue behind and this blocks the point of discharge the body needs to release those toxins. Once the scar tissue is created, the toxins feeding the tumor are forced deeper into the patient’s body, causing damage to deeper organs and organ systems.

Once present, lipomas are difficult to treat so prevention is the best approach. In my experience, key contributors to lipomas include:

Poor Diet

Carbohydrates, chemical preservatives and other toxins found in processed foods all contribute to fatty tumor growth.
Water is also an important part of your dog’s diet and tap water should be avoided as the chlorine can damage your dog’s thyroid and upset his endocrine system.

Drugs and Chemicals

The products used on dogs to control fleas, ticks, heartworms and other worms are not only toxic to insects and parasites, they are toxic to your dog. There are natural and effective ways to control these internal pests without toxic residue.
Vaccines and other pharmaceutical products are also loaded with contaminants and should be avoided whenever necessary.

Environment

Your dog’s environment is a major source of toxins, especially if herbicides or pesticides are used in your area.
In the spring and summer, the pest trucks are everywhere, spraying poisons to kill ants, fleas, ticks and everything else in their path, including you and your dog. I recommend you never use any of these products in your home or yard – ever.
As for the bugs, they’re supposed to be there so, for the sake of our environment, leave them alone.
When you walk your dog in parks or areas where there is a likelihood of herbicides and pesticides being used, wash your dog’s feet off with soap and water when you get home to prevent him from licking or absorbing the toxins through the pads of his paws.