Lipomas…Treatment & Prevention?

Kelly – Mopar has had “fatty lumps” for may years now.  But it seems like they decided to take make a growth spurt and we’ve been finding a few more. Have you/do you know anything about selenium(sp) for dogs?  

–Nicole Gremmel– (Facebook Post)

Gus’ Lipoma…Looking at Photo It’s on Left Side Next to White Markings (Actually Near Gus’ Waist)

Hey Nicole…  My Gus also has several “fatty lumps,” otherwise known as LIPOMAS.  Upon the recommendation of my veterinarian several years ago, Gus’ squishy lump was aspirated (the removal by suction of a fluid from a body cavity using a needle, “needle biopsy”) to confirm whether or not it was a benign Lipoma.  Thankfully it was benign!

Lipomas are slow growing and (mostly) benign tumors that are made up of fatty tissue and typically found just below the skin.   These tumors are the most common soft skin tumor found in dogs (not typical in cats) and seem to develop in middle aged or older dogs.  Most veterinarians agree with Dr. Shawn Messonnier’s assessment that surgery is not usually needed for most Lipomas unless the lipoma enlarges so much that it interferes with the mobility or comfort of the pet, it becomes infected, or it is very large and/or unpleasant to look at.

It’s interesting how varied the theories are on the cause of Lipomas.   Some theories suggest that lipomas are hereditary or that they can develop after an injury to an affected area.  The most widely accepted belief is that dogs that develop Lipomas have some type of metabolic dysfunction when it comes to breaking down and assimilating fat in their bodies.  I have read that overweight and obese dogs are more prone to Lipomas too, although Gus has always remained at a very healthy weight with lots of exercise, so obviously that’s not a factor in his case.

SELENIUM is a trace mineral that is also considered an “Antioxidant” (a substance that reduces damage due to oxygen, such as that caused by free radicals).  A Free Radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron and is therefore unstable and highly reactive.  In animal tissues, free radicals can damage cells and are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and age-related diseases.  Free radicals come from many sources such as chemicals, pollution, cigarette smoke, deep fried foods, and as a by product of normal metabolism.

The body’s immune system naturally makes free radicals that can help destroy invading organisms and damaged tissue, but that can also harm healthy tissue.   Selenium, as an antioxidant, may help to relieve symptoms of arthritis by controlling  levels of free radicals.  With regard to cancer, Selenium, as an antioxidant, can help protect the body from damaging effects of free radicals.  With regard to tumors, selenium may help by enhancing the immune cell activity and suppressing development of blood vessels to the tumor.  Much more research needs to be done on this topic (taken from the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health).  Check out this great link for information on selenium’s risks, benefits, etc:  http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/

I have not found an over abundance of information that supports the use of Selenium to reduce or prevent Lipomas.  However, I have read several different articles that suggest individuals (humans) that have certain types of cancers, arthritis or heart disease sometimes have a low selenium intake.  Most of the information favoring Selenium is taken from an antioxidant perspective.

If you really want to try giving selenium to Mopar, perhaps the safer way would be to give him whole foods that contain useful amounts of available Selenium like, Brazilian nuts, sunflower seeds, many meats, mushrooms, asparagus, spinach, many fish, kidney, crab, lobster, cottage cheese, and eggs.  I’m pretty sure Mopar wouldn’t mind!   Whole food sources of vitamins and minerals are much more easily assimilated in the body, than synthetically derived versions (tablets, pills, capsules, etc.).  And, Mopar is much less apt to get an overdose of Selenium and develop toxicity,  if you provide it through food.

I tend to agree with Dr. Martin Goldstein on his approach to slowing and preventing Lipomas, first, through a diet that is natural and meat based (raw diet preferred).   And, a diet that does NOT contain by-products, chemical preservatives, dyes, colorants, etc.  Further, the diet should contain a very conservative level of fat as it is obvious that dog’s with many Lipomas cannot break down fat efficiently.  The following is Dr. Martin Goldstein’s recommendation for treating Lipomas with the primary goal of establishing proper metabolic function through specific supplementation  (found in his book entitled, The Nature of Animal Healing).  To be given In combination with good quality foods…

• L-Carnitine:  250 milligrams for a 20-30 pound dog (125 milligrams for a cat);
• Chromium Picolinate:  100 micrograms for a 30 pound dog (50 micrograms for a cat);
• Homeopathic remedy called Weight Off Drops (by Professional Health Products);

If a pet fails to respond in a few weeks, ADD…

• Vitamin B6:  50 milligrams for a 30-50 pound dog (25 milligrams for a cat);
• Chinese Herbal Formula Chih-ko & Curcuma (by Seven Forests):  two tablets daily for a 30 pound dog.

NOTE:  I do know a couple of people who have noticed a reduction in size and/or the reduction in the number of new Lipomas on their dogs when they implemented a strict Raw Food Diet, along with freeze dried (grain free) salmon and chicken treats.  Digestive enzymes were also provided in the daily protocol.  Again, there may be a correlation between a lower fat diet and grain free (Raw diet) and the reduction of Lipomas.  It makes sense that if a dog can’t break down fat efficiently, providing moderate fat levels in their diet would be a good idea.  FYI…Gus has been on a grain free diet comprised of Raw, home cooked and some kibble since his Lipoma was aspirated several years ago and the Lipoma hasn’t increased in size.  Perhaps there is a correlation here.