How much does dog lipoma removal cost?
How much does dog lipoma removal cost?
$250 – $700 average cost (simple lipoma removal)
$1,000 – $1,800+ average cost (infiltrative lipoma removal)
Dog lipoma removal cost
Dog lipoma removal costs $250 to $700 for a simple fatty tumor located directly below the skin or $1,000 to $1,800+ for a lipoma that is larger, deeper in the body, or located in a hard-to-reach area. Additional diagnostic tests like an ultrasound, X-rays, or a CT scan can increase the cost.
| Lipoma type | Average removal cost* |
|---|---|
| Non-infiltrative / simple | $250 – $700 |
| Infiltrative / complex | $1,000 – $1,800+ |
*Not including diagnostic tests
Non-infiltrative or simple lipoma
A non-infiltrative lipoma is a fatty tumor located directly below the skin. Vets typically don't remove simple lipomas unless the tumor causes discomfort, interferes with the dog's mobility, or reduces their quality of life. Some examples of simple tumors that might need removal include:
A lipoma in the armpit that causes the dog discomfort during walks
A lipoma on the dog's hip that causes pain when the dog lies on their side
A lipoma in the dog's mouth that makes eating uncomfortable or difficult
To confirm the lipoma is benign, your vet will perform a fine-needle aspirate (FNA) to remove some cells from the tumor and examine them under a microscope. This process costs $30 to $150 on average.
Infiltrative or complex lipoma
An infiltrative lipoma is located in muscle layers, connective tissues, or other areas deep within the body. Removing an infiltrative lipoma is a more complicated surgical procedure, resulting in higher costs. Your vet may also need to use additional diagnostic tests to confirm the tumor is benign.
What affects the cost of lipoma removal for dogs?
These factors have the biggest impact on the cost of dog lipoma removal:
Tumor size & location: Small lipomas and those located close to the surface of the skin are the easiest and least costly to remove. Lipomas that are located deep in the body or in areas that are more difficult to operate on cost much more to remove.
Additional diagnostic tests: Your dog may need bloodwork to confirm they're healthy enough for surgery. If the tumor is infiltrative, the vet may use an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan to get a better look at the lipoma.
Blood work for a dog costs $100 to $200.
A dog ultrasound costs $300 to $600.
Dog X-rays cost $150 to $250 per image.
A dog CT scan costs $1,500 to $2,000+.
Post-op expenses: Your dog may also need a follow-up visit with the vet after the surgery. In addition, the vet might prescribe medication for pain or inflammation.
Provider: A general veterinarian typically charges less for lipoma removal than a veterinary surgeon. However, removing a lipoma located deep in the dog's body might require a veterinary surgeon.
Does pet insurance cover lipoma removal for dogs?
Pet insurance usually covers lipoma removal for dogs if you have an accident-and-illness policy. However, insurance only covers the treatment if the vet diagnosed the lipoma before you enrolled your dog in the policy.
Pet insurance does not cover previously diagnosed lipomas because they're considered a pre-existing condition. In addition, if your dog previously had a lipoma before you purchased the insurance policy, most policies will not cover the cost of treatment for any future lipoma.
Pet insurance costs $35 to $75 per month for a standard accident-and-illness plan.
What is a dog lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign, fatty tumor that is common in dogs. Lipomas can grow anywhere on or inside a dog's body, but they're most often found in the tissue layers directly below the skin on the abdomen, chest, or legs. These fatty tumors occur more often in older and overweight dogs.
The most obvious symptom of a lipoma is a lump below the dog's skin.
FAQs about dog lipoma removal
Should I have my dog's lipoma removed?
Most lipomas are benign and don't need to be removed. However, in some cases, your vet may recommend removing the lipoma to improve your dog's quality of life. For example, your vet might recommend removal if the lipoma causes mobility issues or discomfort, such as a lipoma in the armpit or mouth.
Your vet may also recommend removing the lipoma to eliminate the chance of it turning into a cancerous liposarcoma.
How long do dogs live after fatty tumor removal?
After surgery to remove a benign fatty tumor, a dog will typically live out the rest of their natural lifespan.
If the tumor develops into a cancerous growth—called a liposarcoma—before it's removed, the dog may require a combination of surgery and radiation or chemotherapy. Their lifespan will depend on the type of treatment and how successful it is.
Can I remove a fatty tumor from my dog?
No, you should never attempt to remove a fatty tumor from your dog on your own. Consult a licensed veterinarian to determine if the tumor is benign or malignant and whether it needs to be removed via surgery or can be left untreated. Most lipomas are benign, and many of them don't require removal.
Questions to ask your veterinarian about lipoma removal
Ask your vet these important questions about lipoma removal for your dog to help you better understand the process and other key details:
How will you confirm the lipoma is benign?
What other diagnostic tests will my dog need?
Do you recommend removing the lipoma or leaving it alone?
Is there any chance the lipoma could become cancerous if not removed?
What are the risks of the surgery?
How many lipoma removal surgeries have you performed?
What should I do to prepare my dog for the surgery?
What is the recovery process, and what aftercare do you recommend?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.