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Liquid Biopsy Helps Detect Cancer in Dogs

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  August 19th, 2023

Dogs of all ages can develop various cancers, with roughly 6 million new cases in the United States every year. And according to dvm360, cancer is the leading cause of death in dogs who are over 1 year of age.


Though treatment options are available, catching the cancer too late could lead to a poor outcome, so early detection is critical. The harsh reality, unfortunately, is that pet parents might not realize there’s a problem until the cancer has advanced and their dog is showing serious signs of illness. Enter: liquid biopsy.

Pressmaster/Shutterstock

What Is a Liquid Biopsy?


Put simply, a liquid biopsy is a type of blood test that looks for cancer cells and tumor DNA. Unlike a surgical biopsy, this is a non-invasive test. And it can be used in combination with other diagnostic methods to determine if a patient has cancer. 


PetDX and the OncoK9 Liquid Biopsy


Liquid biopsies have been used in human medicine, so Dr. Andi Flory, a veterinary oncologist and co-founder of  PetDX, wanted to study it for use in dogs as well, in the hopes that it would help with early canine cancer detection. 

 

PetDX developed the OncoK9 liquid biopsy, which is a multi-cancer early detection (MCED) test that can alert a veterinarian to the fact that a dog has cancer, even if there aren’t any obvious signs.  


The  CANcer Detection in Dogs (CANDid) study, which involved more than 1,000 dogs in multiple countries, assessed the effectiveness of OncoK9. Experts discovered that the test was able to find 30 types of cancer. And it was able to detect cancer in dogs who didn’t yet have clinical signs – in other words, in asymptomatic canines, too.    

 

A Potential Addition to Your Dog’s Routine Exams


Veterinarians can utilize the OnkoK9 test before and after a dog is diagnosed with cancer, to both detect the disease and monitor a patient receiving treatment for it. 


According to PetDX, this liquid biopsy can be used as an annual screening tool for dogs aged 7 years and up. Veterinarians can also use it for younger dogs who have a higher risk of developing cancer (i.e., breeds with a higher risk).


Click here to learn more about OncoK9 and to find a clinic that offers it. Then, talk to your veterinarian to see if they recommend cancer screening for your dog.   

WOW
Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

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Owners should always be careful about the food that they give to their pet – and it’s only natural that every caring owner will naturally want the best for their pet. But sometimes, even getting the best of the best is not a guarantee as accidents can happen anytime. In this case, the issue is that several popular dog food brands got potentially contaminated with salmonellla. Recently, owners had been shocked to find out that three brands of pet food were recalled - having tested positive for salmonella. And in fact, the past year saw at least seven recalls of dog food brands that were either contaminated with this nasty bacteria, or had harmful elevated levels of vitamins. And, to make matters worse, 2019 saw several dogs get seriously ill after consuming the food. And our dear four-legged friends are not the only ones at risk - handling the contaminated dog food, we too are exposed to salmonella. In 2012, up to 49 people in the United States and Canada fell ill after an outbreak of salmonella that was traced to dry dog food. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 10 persons were so ill that hospitalization was required.According to the CDC, the pesky salmonella bacteria causes “an estimated 1.3 million infections in Americans every year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths.”As for the latest recalls, a notice from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, released on October 30th, includes the following foods: “one by Mid America Pet Food of Mount Pleasant, Texas, involving three lots of Victor Super Premium Dog Food, Select Beef Meal & Brown Rice Formula after random sampling found salmonella, which can sicken pets as well as people who come in contact with it.” Furthermore, it is stated that the food was “Sold by retailers across the U.S., the recalled products come in five-pound, 15-pound and 40-pound bags with a best-by-date of June 12, 2024, and contain one of the following three lot numbers on the back of the products: 1000016890, 1000016891, 1000016892.”The second recall involves TFP Nutrition of Nacogdoches, and their Retriever All Life Stages Mini Chunk Chicken Recipe Dry Dog Food, in 50lbs bags, with best-by-dates of October 2024 and production codes of either 3277 TFP or 3278 TFP. Lastly, the third recall in the latest wave is Blue Ridge Beef of Statesville, North Carolina, which is recalling Breeders Choice dog food with the UPC code 8 54298 00193 1 due to possible salmonella contamination.In case you suspect your pet has eaten any potentially infected foods, it is important to know the  symptoms of salmonella poisoning in pets: they can be lethargic, listless, or have diarrhea that is followed by fever and vomiting. If you recognise these in your pet, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. And, if you suspect that the dog food you have is contaminated, make sure to destroy it in a way that children, animals, or people cannot get in contact with it.

Should My Cat Sleep in My Bed?

Final Thoughts - Should My Cat Sleep in My Bed?There is no “right” answer as to whether your cat should be allowed to sleep in your bed. While your furry friend could provide comfort and warmth through those long nights, they may also trigger health problems or keep you awake.Cat parents need to weigh the pros and cons, consider their cat’s personality and sleeping habits, factor in their own needs, and decide on the best solution for everyone. If you need your own space at night for a restful night’s sleep, there are other options that you can provide, including heated cat beds, cozy condos, and relaxing hammocks. Whatever you decide, the ultimate goal is to set up your home so everyone can get the sleep they need to live a happy, healthy life!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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