Recurrent infiltrative lipoma of the thoracic and abdominal wall in a young dog

Abstract

A 1‐year and 8‐month‐old neutered male English Cocker Spaniel was presented with a large subcutaneous mass in the right ventrocaudal thoracic region, which was firmly adhered to the deeper tissues. An adipose tissue mass had been excised from the same region 12 months previously. Investigation included a computed tomography scan of the thorax and abdomen, which revealed a fat‐attenuating mass. The mass was both extra and intrathoracic and encompassed the ventrocaudal thoracic wall and infiltrated surrounding musculature. Marginal en bloc resection was performed. A right intercostal thoracotomy allowed resection of the intercostal component. Postoperative radiation therapy was recommended; however, it was declined by the owners. Nine months after surgery, recurrence of the mass was identified; however, the mass was small (2 cm diameter) and present within the extrathoracic subcutaneous region. The dog was reported to be clinically well with no associated clinical signs. Further treatment inclusive of revision surgery and postoperative radiation was declined.