Page 12 - Stuart Exposure - November '23

Page 12, Stuart Exposure

tip of tHe tail

New Cancer Screening Test In to perform either comes back normal or with nondescript 61.9 percent as these are more localized cancers in the early
Dogs Now Available mild changes that do not give us an answer. Often in these phases, and do not give off as many genetic biomarkers.
cases, we have to have a difficult conversation with the family

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

Holiday Happenings

CCKids Rolls Out Online Toy Participation is simple: Anyone interested in supporting platform for years. “If nothing else, it will give those who

Drive For 23rd Anniversary the drive can click the banner in our email and purchase an prefer not to go to the store or venture far from home an
opportunity to participate.”
item, which will then be shipped directly to CCKids.
Of Making Christmas Bright The online drive is meant to supplement the existing The online drive is made possible through a partnership
Making Christmas Bright drive, which seeks toys through a with Fort Pierce company D&W Sourceall and Roonga, an
Just because you do something for decades, doesn’t mean network of local businesses, churches and social groups that online platform that hosts drives free of charge for nonprofits.
you can’t do it better. coordinate toy drives among their members. To access the drive click the project banner at www.cckids.
For that reason, CCKids is rolling out an online Making Christmas Bright, which in 2018 expanded when net.
component to mark the 23rd anniversary of its Making it joined forces with Guardians for New Futures and its Angel The portal also houses a link to sign up to become a
Christmas Bright holiday collection. Tree program, provides nearly 3,000 gifts to children living in sponsor for the traditional Making Christmas Bright program.
“We thought, ‘How can we make an already successful foster and protective care in Indian River, Martin, St. Lucie The program works this way:
project even better?’” said Christmas Kaiser, CCKids and Okeechobee counties. 1. Sign up to become a sponsor by clicking the project
community relations director. “The answer was pretty “We’re always looking for new ways to grow and partner banner at www.cckids.net.
obvious – let’s go online and reach more people.” in the community,” Kaiser said. “We serve nearly 1,000 2. Tell us how many children you’d like to sponsor and
children every year, so we need all the help we can get.” we’ll send you a list.
Kaiser said she is unsure how many gifts will be collected 3. Collect the toys among your members.
through the online portal. 4. Call us to arrange a pickup!
“I anticipate it will become an invaluable tool,” she said, But be quick! This year’s toy collection ends in early
adding that the Toys for Tots campaign in Orlando has been December so that we have enough time to organize the gifts
raising money and collecting toys through the same online and get them out to families.

EVERY SUNDAY
9AM-2PM

FLAGLER PARK

•FRESH PRODUCE
•LIVE MUSIC

Answer for •MOBILE CRAFT BAR

Crossword Puzzle •KIDS MARKET
Operated by Stuart Main Street (First & third Sunday of every month)

Fresh Local Produce & Honey
Organic Eggs, Beef, Seafood & Poultry
Household Plants & Florals
Homemade Cheeses
Spices & Sauces
Freshly Baked Breads & Tasty Treats
Pottery, Art & Home Décor
Handcrafted Jewelry & Accessories
Pet Items BE A PART OF

A market for growers, crafters, artists & other creators SOMETHING
FRESH!

772-285-0502 | stuartmainstreet.org/market
Stuart Main Street is a 501c3 non-profit focused on promoting the Historic Downtown.