Page 12 - Hobe Sound Reflections - November '23

Page 12, Hobe Sound

tip oF tHe taiL

New Cancer Screening Test In cytology and cultures, even CT scans. The goal is to and osteosarcoma), the detection rate was 85.4 percent.
Dogs Now Available perform a physical exam, to assess the diagnostics we When including the other five most common canine
need and proceed accordingly, determine the underlying
cancers (soft tissue sarcoma, mast cell tumor, mammary
cause of the problem, and finally to treat as best as gland carcinoma, anal sac adenocarcinoma, and malignant
possible to maintain a healthy and happy quality of life melanoma), the detection rate decreased to 61.9 percent
for your pet and your family. as these are more localized cancers in the early phases,
However, one of the most frustrating and disheartening and do not give off as many genetic biomarkers.
situations is when we have a sick patient, we know These tests will be a revolutionary diagnostic tool
something is wrong based on symptoms and presentation, in a case such as described above in a sick pet where
yet all our tests and diagnostic tools are failing us. other diagnostics are not providing us with much needed
Everything we know to perform either comes back normal answers. However, they also will provide valuable
or with nondescript mild changes that do not give us an information during annual wellness checks of older dogs,
answer. Often in these cases, we have to have a difficult or for younger dogs from breeds with a high risk for
conversation with the family where we say, “I cannot developing cancer in their lifetimes. As a screening test,
find anything wrong based on all the testing we have a positive finding suggests looking for the disease during
performed, yet I am concerned we have cancer hiding the early stages when it may be more treatable. Finding
In veterinary medicine as a general practitioner somewhere.” This can be a very tough pill to swallow, cancer early not only potentially makes treatment easier
we have to wear many hats on a daily basis. We are especially when the family asks, “Well isn’t there a test for a patient, it can have a huge impact on the human-
pediatricians, dentists, dermatologists, cardiologists, for that?” and historically we have had to answer “quite animal bond.
and the list goes on. To practice our trade, we have honestly, no.” This has always been the story, until now. Both of these tests are available at Palm City Animal
different tools in our kit, from complete blood counts and Recently, two different companies have released a Medical Center. If you would like more information
chemistries, thyroid panels, radiographs and ultrasounds, simple cancer screening panel that tests for a multitude or would like to discuss further please schedule an
of cancers that plague our pets. These tests screen for appointment or ask during your pet’s next checkup.
genetic biomarkers, such as DNA altered by cancer cells Currently these tests are only useful for dogs. However,
in blood, or sometimes other bodily fluids. The Nu.Q Vet moving forward hopefully this research will be applicable
Cancer Test is available through Texas A&M University in cats as well.
and is labeled as the first easy to use, reliable, and Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
cost-effective veterinary cancer screen on the market. A Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
published case series evaluating seven different cancers for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
found that the Nu.Q. Vet Cancer Test detects 76 percent surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
of systemic cancers. OncoK9, the liquid biopsy test for medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
dogs, is available through Antech Diagnostics. It is a Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
bit more expensive, but has a slightly higher detection medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
rate. In April, results of a clinical validation study found owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
that OncoK9 demonstrated that for three of the most www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
aggressive canine cancers (lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

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