The question I hear most often “Is there a blood test to detect cancer?
NOW WE CAN SAY YES!
Over 50% of dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, generally these dogs are over 10 years of age, although some breeds are more prone to developing cancer at younger ages. Lymphoma and Hemangiosarcoma are two of the most common types of cancers which account for over 30% of all cancers found in dogs. We now have a non-invasive blood test to help us determine whether your pet has either of the cancers.
NuQ is a blood test that looks for markers in the blood stream associated with these two cancers. Although it is used primarily to detect lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma, newer studies have shown it to also detect more aggressive forms of other types of cancers, such as histiocytic sarcoma, oral melanoma, mast cell tumor, osteosarcoma as well as other sarcomas and carcinomas.
So who should get this test? It is recommended for any dog over the age of 7 or in some breeds more likely to develop cancer, such as the Golden Retriever, Boxer, Bernese Mountain Dog, Rottweilers, German Shepherds
Who can’t be tested? Dog’s who have immune mediated diseases such as hemolytic anemia, polyarthritis, or those who have experienced recent trauma with in the previous 6 weeks, or those with severe infections. These conditions will create false positive test results.
What happens if the test is positive for these markers? Then we perform further diagnostics to identify which cancer and what options there are for treatment.
What does a negative test mean? It means there is no detectable cancer in your dog’s system at this time. It is not a future predictor of cancer.
Because of our long standing relationship with IDEXX laboratory, PAH has been chosen to help gather more data to improve the specificity of this test, so for the next 6 weeks 5/1/2023-6/24/2023, we can provide this test at a tremendously DISCOUNTED rate.
1. If your pet is in for an exam and you are running blood work, this test can be performed as an add on test for only $35.
2. If you would just like the test run on your pet with no exam, the test will be $50.
3. This blood test requires your pet to be fasted (NO FOOD) for at least 5 hours prior to the blood draw.
4. After the trial period the test will continue to be available for the cost of $134.99
We are recommending this test is to help us find cancers earlier in the course of the disease to allow us to offer treatments with the goal to provide quality of life to your pet and extended quality time with you.
If this is something you might be interested in or have more questions about, please call us and we would be happy to schedule you an appointment and answer any questions you may have!
Dr. Jen Johnson
Dr. Ashlee Rockwood
Dr. Lisa Teixeira
Hospital News
