Revolutionary New Blood Test Helps Diagnose Canine Cancer

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT

A user-friendly electronic system for diagnosing lymphoma and remission monitoring in dogs is the first of its kind.

For many of us, our pets are our best friends. They bring us love and joy in return for our care and protection. Unfortunately, sometimes we have to make the impossible choice in their best interest. In a perfect world, our dogs would live as long as we do, but that’s not the case. A few years back, I was faced with that decision and it was the hardest of my life. But it is our responsibility as pet owners to decide things when our dogs can’t.

Statistics show that one in four dogs will end up getting cancer, and 20 percent of those cases are lymphoma. Avacta Animal Health teamed up with the University of Leichester and together came up with a revolutionary new test to help diagnose and monitor lymphoma cases in dogs. A simple blood test can determine an initial diagnosis, and help test for remission.

If a dog is diagnosed with lymphoma, the owner then decides whether or not to put the dog through chemotherapy. For the first round, the chemo is typically very effective. But afterward, the only test to see if there’s a recurrence is to palpate the lymph nodes. Owners are taught to feel the dog for lumps. This method tends to catch it when it’s too late, and the chemo is less effective the second time around. With the canine Lymphoma Blood Test (cLBT), it can be detected before there are any physical lumps, making it much easier to treat.

The test has been wildly successful, and gives us hope for our furry friends. Chief Scientific Officer at Avacta Animal Health, Kevin Slater, said: “The collaboration we have with the University of Leicester’s Department of Mathematics is having a dramatic impact on the types of new tests that we can offer to vets and their owners. We are already widening the application of multivariate analysis to other diseases which commonly affect our pets, and subsequently, this work could also have benefits to human health.”

With a breakthrough of this magnitude, I can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon for pet medicine.

For more information on the cLBT visit Avacta Animal Health’s website

[Source: Science Daily]

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Upside Down Dog Of The Week – Bailey

Meet Bailey, our Upside Down Dog of the Week. This Doga (That’s Yoga for dogs) fanatic is a 1-year-old Maltipoo from Honolulu, Hawaii! Here’s wha…

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Sunshine

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine! And this sunshine will make you happy when skies are gray! Say hello to Sunshine, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. She&r…

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke''s Parakeet has gentle, cute looks that reflect their equally temperate behavior- which is perfect if you want a minimum hassle, affectionate pet.

Product Review: MIU PET Shower and Deshedding Tool

Rub-a-dub - it''s time to get your dog in a tub! We review the MIU Pet Shower and Deshedding Tool, just in time for spring cleaning season!

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Spankee

Meet Spankee, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Spankee is an adult English Pointer and Dalmatian Mix from Newcastle, Oklahoma. He’s already neutered, hou…

Port Lincoln Parrot

Port Lincoln Parrot is a long-lived breed and will make a great lifelong companion. Learn more about their care requirements, needs and unique traits.

Cumberland Slider

The Cumberland Slider is known for being active and fun to watch. If you have more than one Cumberland Slider Turtle, you may see them all basking together.

Adoptable Dog of the Week – Beau

This week’s adoptable dog from Adoptapet.com is Beau, a Labrador Retriever mix puppy from Terrell, TX. Beau is as cute as can be. Sporting a black coat…

Tick SR Makes Dog Tick Removal Quick and Painless

If your dog as ever had ticks, you never forget that experience. But there''s a solution for quick and painless dog tick removal and it''s called Tick-SR.

Well Balanced Pet Mineral Analysis Test Kit Review

I find out if Oscar is getting the vitamins and minerals he needs to live a long, healthy life As a concerned pet parent, I want the best for Oscar, especial…

Top 10 Comfy Dog Beds

I love watching Oscar all curled up in his dog bed. That''s why I came up with the Top 10 Comfy Dog Beds that will give your dog the sweetest dreams.

Red Winged Parrot

The Red Winged Parrot is popualr for its attractive appearance and charming personality. Find out more about this prized Australian parrot breed!

Best Harnesses For Miniature Huskies

This mini breed has the same wanderlust their Siberian parents, so we''ve compiled a list of the 10 best harnesses for Miniture Huskies to keep them safe.

What Pet Toy Should You Get From the New Dr. Seuss Pet Fans Collection

These toys will go down better than a plate of Green Eggs and Ham! The Dr. Seuss ""What Pet Should I Get?"" Collection is now available at Petco!

Blue Picardy Spaniel

The Blue Picardy Spaniel has the long legs of a setter and the responsiveness of a spaniel, making it the ultimate hunting companion.