Detecting cancer

Penny Less

Penny Less

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10 March 2009
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Can vet detect cancer in dogs through blood tests or only through x rays etc ? Bit concerned about my old dog, he is 15 now and most mornings doesn't want to eat until at least late afternoon, hes also bit reluctant to go for his walk but perks up later in the day. He has suffered from pancreatitis but Im wondering if I am putting his present problems down to that when it could be cancer, He has been sick this morning and brought up flecks of blood, which can be a sign of v arious intestinal problems . Vet is always a bit keen to go down the route of expensive treatments straight away so wondering if blood tests would show up anything ?
 
I believe they can show something, but of course they’d have to do further investigations to find out what. A friends dog recently had a scan to confirm which is a lot cheaper and less stressful than xrays (no anaesthetic) From what you’ve said I’d certainly start with blood tests. It doesn’t sound like something that’s going to resolve itself so there’s no point waiting.
 
Vets very rarely diagnose cancer on bloods alone unless it's blood cancers/leukaemia... But bloods can help pinpoint and hint at where the issues are..looking for anaemia/high calcium/rising liver enzymes etc.
Ultrasound or X-rays are helpful for most larger internal tumours but even that isn't prefect. X-rays better for chest and give a reasonable view of the abdomen but are only a 2d picture. scans can be helpful for the liver and spleen but are not always great for the intestines.
Start with an exam and the vet will start with a full check over and palate the abdomen etc. sometimes we can feel masses on the organs. Also an exam is an easy way to check for the pain in the area of the pancreas....

Old dogs can have other illness other then cancer. Old age isn't a disease itself, but it does increase your chances of illness and issues with organs function as you age. Not treating because they are old isn't fair on the pet, they can often have a better quality of life if nausea etc is managed. it isn't always a death sentence to visit the vet with an older pet and many old age issues can be managed quite easily with medication and without very invasive testing. Go and see what the options are. It all comes down to having a good quality of life in the end.
 
My GSD has cancer and initially had bloods which I think showed white blood cell count was high. First tried anti biotics to rule out infection. HE WAs in pain getting in and out of the boot and losing weight. Only 5. Ultrasound and needle biopsy confirmed our worst fears. Cost about £400
 
I lost a greyhound through stomach cancer. Nothing showed up on scans, palpitations ect. The only symptom was vomiting and refusal to eat. The vet asked if he could do a pm at his own cost to find the cause. It was lots of little tumours rather than one large one.
 
Vet thinks his tum problems are probably down to excess acid! He has been fine again last couple of days. He is on ranitidine, (human Zantac, which I see in news is being withdrawn in some places )and I have to feed him last thing at night so he doesnt go too long on an empty tum. Hopefully this is the answer.
 
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