by 
The Curious Bag
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Fatty skin tumors are also called lipomas. Lipomas are benign growths that form under the skin and are common in all dogs, especially older ones. As of October 2009, no one really knows what causes the fatty tumors to grow. Most vets advise leaving lipomas unless the tumors grow in an unsafe area, or start to make the dog uncomfortable.
Identification
Lipomas usually don't cause hair loss or redness to the site, and the dog doesn't experience pain. You can usually move the lipoma around slightly, whereas most other tumors are stationary, because they are part of the deeper tissue, not just the epidermis (skin).
Diagnosis
If you find a tumor on your dog, you should have your vet perform a biopsy or fine needle aspiration to collect a sample of the inside for study. If your dog already has a lipoma, he is likely to get more.
Wait-and-See
The most common treatment prescribed is wait-and-see. Upon diagnosing a lipoma, your vet will measure it and document the location in order to compare it at subsequent visits.
Surgery
If warranted due to its location, or your dog's discomfort, your vet might recommend surgically removing the lipoma. Lipomas often regrow in the same spot as before.
Alternative Medicine
Some owners opt for alternative treatments for their dogs, including herbs. Inositol, cat's claw and maitake mushrooms, which all have anti-tumor properties, are commonly prescribed by holistic vets to reduce or eliminate lipomas.
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