Presentation, treatment, and outcome of lipomas of the pelvic canal in dogs

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical presentation, computed tomography (CT) findings, treatment, and outcomes of dogs diagnosed with intrapelvic lipoma. Medical records from multiple European institutions were retrospectively reviewed. Dogs with CT imaging and cytological or histological confirmation of a primary intrapelvic lipoma were included. Thirteen dogs met the inclusion criteria. The most common clinical complaints were related to defecation: tenesmus in 9 dogs (69.2%), altered stool shape in 6 dogs (46.15%), and dyschezia in 4 dogs (30.7%). Clinical signs had been present for a median of 21 days (range 5-180 days) prior to diagnosis. CT imaging revealed a fat-attenuating mass in all dogs. All dogs underwent surgery. Recurrence occurred in three dogs (23.1%) at a median of 220 days (range 90–510 days). Four dogs (30.7%) are still alive with a median follow-up time of 507 days (range 325–780 days) after diagnosis. Only one dog (7.7%) was reported to be euthanised because of its intrapelvic lipoma. Five dogs (38.5%) died with a median time to death of 889 days (range 220–1740 days), and four (30.7%) were lost to follow-up. Kaplan Meier overall survival time was 1020 days (range 220–1740 days). CT imaging effectively identified the fat content of the mass, strongly supporting the diagnosis of intrapelvic lipoma. The prognosis appears favourable following surgical excision; however, recurrence may be higher than expected.