New non-invasive screening tool for canine cancer

At SagePet it is our goal to help your pets live happier, healthier, and longer lives. As a result, it is my personal mission to stay on top of the latest research so that your pets are always receiving top-notch, personalized care. Preventative medicine and early screening are key to catching disease early and having the best outcomes for our pets. Up until recently, home vets did not have many options for preventative cancer screening in our dogs, and are often left to respond once the disease has advanced. We now have a tool that I hope will change the game. 

Cancer is a leading cause of death in elderly dogs

We know that 1 in 4 dogs will get cancer at some point in their lifetime, and cancer is the leading cause of death for older dogs. Lymphoma is one of the most common cancers seen by home vets, representing 24% of all new canine cancers seen by veterinarians. Lymphoma is a cancer of the blood that affects the lymphatic system. Lymphoma usually develops quickly and, without treatment, can become life-threatening in a matter of weeks.

Early signs of lymphoma in dogs most often seen by home vets

The tricky part? Early symptoms are often subtle and easy to miss. Keep an eye out for:

• Swollen lymph nodes (especially under the jaw, behind the knees, or in front of the shoulders)

• Lethargy or reduced activity

• Loss of appetite or weight loss

• Increased thirst or urination

• Unusual lumps or bumps

If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait—talk to your vet right away.

Early screening by home vets save lives

We now have a tool to detect lymphoma early and give our pets a better chance to beat the disease. With early screening we see improved responses to treatment, more treatment options, better quality of life, and lower costs overall. 

New screening for lymphoma by home vets is easy and non-invasive

The good news is home vets now have a minimally invasive screening test for lymphoma in dogs! This test can be added on to your dog’s annual wellness lab work. The test only requires a small blood sample and can detect lymphoma before any signs of illness are present. This is huge as it allows us the best chance at beating the disease and having a good outcome for you and your beloved pet. 

This testing is recommended for all at risk dogs, meaning all dogs over the age of 7. Certain breeds are at a higher risk for lymphoma, and testing for them is recommended over 4 years of age. Those breeds are: 

• Beagle
• Bernese mountain dog
• Boxer
• Bullmastiff
• Doberman pinscher
• English bulldog
• Flat-coated retriever
• French bulldog
• Golden retriever
• Labrador retriever
• Miniature schnauzer
• Rottweiler 
• Scottish terrier 

Proactive Pet Parenting Tips

As always, you are your pet’s best advocate! As they age, monitor closely for changes to their routine and always feel free to reach out to me (or your regular veterinarian) with any questions or concerns. 

• Schedule regular vet check-ups, especially for middle-aged and older dogs.

• Know your dog’s baseline. If your dog seems “off,” trust your instincts.

• Do monthly home checks for any swelling, lumps, or behavior changes.

• Talk to your vet about cancer risk and whether your dog is a good candidate for early screening.

Final Thoughts

Home vets can’t prevent every illness, but we can stack the odds in our favor by staying informed and proactive. Lymphoma doesn’t have to be a silent threat—early screening could be the key to giving your best friend a longer, happier life.

Because when it comes to our dogs, every wag, every walk, and every extra cuddle is worth it.

 

 

Resources and further reading:

 

1. What are the most common types of cancers in dogs? How many dogs typically get cancer? Veterinary Cancer Society; 2021. Accessed April 14, 2025. www.vetcancersociety.org/pet-owners/faqs
2. https://www.idexx.com/files/09-2691781-00-cancer-dx-pet-owner-digital-brochure-en.pdf