Hilda. Daisy. Amara. Moses. Ariel. Campbell. Aly. Zooma. Silas. Harvey. Arnie. Nellie. Rosco. Mary. Buddy. Molly. Max. Moses. Sadie. Gray. Tyler. Mollie. Bear. Teddy. Sparky. Sadie. Sparrow. Serena. Natasha. Holly Grace. Lulu. Stretch. Daisy. Drew. Lily. Lucky. King. Arthur. Mako. Booda. Bailey. Bailey. Graham. Tito. Lila. Winston. Radio. Tegan. Rascal. Lulu. Pepper. Lily. Ruger. Buddy. Harley. Earnest. Petey. Trooper. Brody. Corbin. Claire. Mickey. Rosaline. Scooby. Mae. Maddie. Josie. Jennie. Sweetness. Belle. Moxie. Mia. Bubba. Truby. Daya. Rousey. Piper.
We see cancer every single day here at NAAH. The pets above are just a fraction of the patients that we have seen in our hospital in the last year that have been diagnosed with some type of cancer. Cancer is, unfortunately, one of the leading causes of illness and death in our beloved pets, especially as they age. Just like in people, early detection and proper treatment can significantly improve outcomes. At NAAH, we want to bring attention to the signs of cancer in dogs and cats—such as unexplained weight loss, lumps or bumps, decreased appetite, or persistent lameness—so pet owners know when it is time to consult their veterinarian. Being proactive and observant can make all the difference in catching diseases, especially cancer, early.
We are proud to offer a range of cancer treatment options right here in our hospital. For certain types of cancer, we can administer chemotherapy safely and effectively under the guidance of our experienced veterinary team. Chemotherapy in pets is typically well-tolerated and aimed at improving quality of life, not just extending it. For more complex or rare cancers, we collaborate closely with board-certified veterinary oncologists to ensure your pet gets the most advanced care possible, including access to specialized diagnostics and treatment plans. You may remember reading about Max and Pyro before on our blog.
More times than not, clients wonder if bloodwork can detect cancer. I’ve always told clients that bloodwork doesn’t necessarily detect cancer directly, but that it can detect changes in your pet’s blood that could be a sign of cancer. Now my answer is (luckily) going to have to change. I’m excited to tell you about a new blood test from IDEXX called Cancer Dx. This non-invasive blood test helps detect cancer in its earliest stages—even before symptoms appear. It is a powerful new tool in our diagnostic arsenal that can be especially useful for at-risk pets or those over the age of seven. Notably, it can detect lymphoma up to two months before clinical signs appear, allowing for earlier intervention. By incorporating Cancer Dx into your pet’s wellness screening, we can better monitor for signs of disease and act quickly when needed.
IDEXX Cancer Dx is designed to seamlessly integrate into routine wellness screenings and sick-patient evaluations. It is particularly recommended for at-risk dogs, including all dogs aged 7 and older and high-risk breeds aged 4 and older. By incorporating this test into your pet’s preventive care, we can detect potential issues earlier and tailor treatment plans more effectively.
Your pet’s health is our top priority, and we are committed to providing the highest level of care when it matters most. If you have questions about cancer risks, screening, or treatment options for your pet, do not hesitate to contact our team. Together, we can give your pet the best chance at a healthy, happy life.
-Dr. Thompson
Lila, an unforgettable Frenchie that was sadly lost to cancer recently.
