Cancer can be a severe and deadly disease for your pets if it is not detected and treated in time. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best ways to ensure a positive outcome for your pet and improve its quality of life. Therefore, you should use all available resources to help identify potential signs of cancer in your pets and take action if you suspect anything out of the ordinary. So, what techniques can you use for early pet cancer detection?
What methods are used to detect pet cancer early?
Detecting cancer in your pet earlier is essential to ensuring they receive the care and treatment they need. However, early detection of cancer in your pet can be difficult since it often presents with no visible symptoms. Fortunately, there are a few methods you can use to help you spot cancer in your pet before it becomes too advanced. Below are five methods for the early detection of cancer in your pet:
1. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a relatively new technique for detecting cancer in animals that involves using laser light to detect tumors in their early stages. This non-invasive method has proven effective in detecting even the smallest tumors. It can give you the earliest warning that your pet may be developing cancer. Other laser treatments, like cold laser therapy for dogs, can provide pain relief and reduce inflammation, aiding in the healing process for dogs with chronic illnesses.
2. Urinalysis
Urinalysis is a simple and cost-effective way to detect cancer in your pet. Through urinalysis, your veterinarian can look for the presence of red blood cells or other abnormalities in your pet’s urine that could indicate the presence of cancer. The procedure is non-invasive and painless, making it an excellent option for pets who cannot undergo more invasive tests. The results are typically available within a few minutes, allowing your veterinarian to begin treatment quickly and efficiently if necessary.
3. Bloodwork
Bloodwork is one of the most important tests used in the early detection of cancer in pets. It can detect changes in the body that could indicate the presence of cancer, such as an increase in white blood cells or a decrease in red blood cells. Therefore, regular veterinary checkups and bloodwork are essential for the early detection and intervention of cancer in pets, helping to increase their quality of life and prevent long-term suffering. You can find some more info about veterinary examinations here.
4. Rectal Exam
A rectal exam can help you detect cancer in your pet if there is an abnormal growth or tumor near the anal area. During the exam, your veterinarian will use a gloved finger to examine your pet’s rectum and check for any abnormalities. Your veterinarian may take a tissue sample to test for cancer if any lumps or bumps are found.
Depending on the results, your veterinarian may recommend a further course of action, such as surgery, to remove the growth. Therefore, getting pet wellness plans that cover the cost of these exams is essential in ensuring your pet stays healthy and gets the treatments they need.
5. Fine Needle Aspirate of Masses
Fine needle aspiration of masses is a method for early detection of cancer in pets that involves the removal of cells from any abnormal-looking lumps or bumps using a thin needle and syringe. This technique is often performed in conjunction with an ultrasound, which helps to provide a clear picture of the lump or bump before any samples are taken. This technique examines the sample cells under a microscope to determine if they contain any cancerous cells.
