How to Spot Cancer in Dogs Before It’s Too Late | Brooke Britton, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)

A listener’s call to remind us to prompt veterinarians to examine our anal gland exams generates a discussion about other early detection strategies.

Let’s dive into early cancer detection strategies for dogs with veterinary oncologist Dr. Brooke Britton. We discuss common cancers like anal gland cancer and lymphoma, share practical guidelines for screening, and emphasize the crucial role of pet owners and veterinarians in detecting cancer early. Looking to stay ahead of serious health issues? This is a must-watch.

Topics Covered:

• Listener's suggestion on early cancer detection
• Screening guidelines based on dog age and breed
• Common signs of cancer in dogs
• Why wellness checks are crucial, especially as dogs age
• The role of regular blood work and physical exams
• How cancer can develop quickly and the challenges of early detection
• Importance of a partnership between pet owners and veterinarians

Your Voice Matters!
If you have a question for our team, or if you want to share your own hopeful dog cancer story, we want to hear from you! Go to https://www.dogcancer.com/ask to submit your question or story, or call our Listener Line at +1 808-868-3200 to leave a question.

Related Videos:
Dr. David Vail on early detection: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5qST7euWg
New early detection urine test from Oncotect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFxo_ZsedG0

Related Links:
Our article on Why Dog Cancer Isn’t Caught Early: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-isnt-caught-early/
Our article on the Symptoms of Dog Cancer In Dogs: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/symptoms-of-cancer-in-dogs/
And overview of Dog Cancer Diagnosis: https://www.dogcancer.com/articles/diagnosis-and-medical-procedures/dog-cancer-diagnosis/

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:30 – Listener's Question from Janet
02:30 – Dr. Britton's Initial Thoughts
03:30 – Cancer Screening Guidelines by Age and Breed
05:00 – What Happens During a Wellness Check
07:15 – Signs of Cancer to Watch for at Home
08:45 – The Role of Pet Owners in Detecting Cancer Early
10:00 – Screening Frequency Recommendations
12:30 – Using Data to Improve Early Detection
14:30 – Limitations of Guidelines and the Importance of Individual Assessment
16:30 – The Challenges of Detecting Aggressive Cancers
18:45 – The Importance of Communication Between Owners and Veterinarians
19:30 – Outro and Resources

Get to know Dr. Brooke Britton: https://www.dogcancer.com/people/brooke-britton-dvm-dacvim-oncology/

For more details, articles, podcast episodes, and quality education go to the episode page: https://www.dogcancer.com/podcast/