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.
