We are very excited to offer a new cancer screening test for dogs.
Cancer is by far the single most common cause of death in adult dogs. Like humans, dogs have a 1 in 3 lifetime risk of getting cancer, and approximately 6 million dogs are newly diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States. Older dogs and certain breeds have a higher lifetime risk of cancer and/or have a higher risk of being diagnosed at an earlier age. Cancer in dogs is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, when treatment options are limited, and chances of long-term control or cure are low. Each year, cancer cuts short the lives of many dogs who might have enjoyed many healthy years with their families had the disease been detected earlier.
Now, it’s possible to take action even before clinical signs of cancer emerge. As the American Veterinary Medical Association says, “Early detection and treatment are the best ways to manage cancer in pets… cancer is frequently treatable and early diagnosis will aid your veterinarian in delivering the best care possible with improved outcomes.” As a pet parent, you have more options to choose from and more time to make decisions if necessary.
Introducing OncoK9 screen and OncoK9 aid-in diagnosis which is a non-invasive, DNA-based cancer screening test for dogs.
A few of the cancer types that are commonly detected are:
- Lymphoma
- Hemangiosarcoma
- Osteosarcoma
- Leukemia
- Histiocytic Sarcoma
- Pulmonary Malignancies
- Malignancies of the Urinary Bladder/Urethra
OncoK9 screen is recommended for healthy dogs as an annual or biannual screening test at wellness visits starting at 7 years of age and starting at younger ages for dogs belonging to breeds in which cancer tends to develop earlier in life. OncoK9 aid-in diagnosis is recommended for identifying already present clinical signs that may lead to suspect cancer.
A simple blood draw is required that is taken in the clinic same day (no fasting required). Using next-generation sequencing technology, proven ability to detect 30 distinct cancer types with high detection rates in many of the most common cancers in dogs. DNA released from cancer cells contains specific genomic alterations associated with cancer that is detected by the Oncok9 test. OncoK9 indicates whether cancer is currently present in the body; it does not indicate risk for future cancer development or speciate which type it is. Results take 2 – 5 days to be received. Resulting in Low, Moderate or High probability of cancer. Is My Dog At Risk For Cancer?
Find out the recommended age to start screening your dog for cancer by taking an assessment HERE
We have decided to include the new cancer screening for all wellness exams if your dog is over the age of 7 or if your dog is predisposed to cancer. The screen can be ordered as part of your annual wellness exams or separately if you choose so. Current annual exam is required to order the test and can be scheduled with a veterinary technician.
We will continue testing after Dr. Molnar returns starting August 15, 2023.
As always, we recommend ensuring your pet with the wide variety of pet insurance companies out there that will help support your dog should a cancer situation occur.
