OncoK9 – Case Study – Bella | PetDx®
Case Study: Bella - Cancer Screening
Breadcrumb:
OncoK9

Cancer Screening
in a Geriatric Golden Retriever


Bella

11-year-old | Female Spayed | Golden Retriever | 53 lbs

Presentation

Use Case
Cancer Screening
  • Age 7 and Older
  • High-Risk Breed
Clinical Details

Bella presented for a routine wellness visit. Her physical exam showed no clinical signs of cancer.

Why OncoK9 Was Performed

Bella had no signs of cancer but was over age 7 and belonged to a breed known to be at higher risk of cancer. OncoK9 was performed as part of her wellness and preventive care evaluation.

OncoK9 Result

Cancer Signal
Cancer Signal Detected
Detected
  • A Cancer Signal Detected result significantly increases the likelihood that cancer is present, but does not confirm the presence of cancer. This result should not be used as the sole basis for making important decisions such as treatment or euthanasia.
  • A confirmatory cancer evaluation should be performed to establish a definitive diagnosis.

Due to a Cancer Signal Detected OncoK9 result, a Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation was performed.

Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation

May include any or all of the following:

Exam
Exam
  • Thorough clinical history
  • Thorough physical exam
    • Including oral and rectal exam
Laboratory
Laboratory
  • CBC and Chemistry
  • Urinalysis
Imaging
Imaging
  • Thoracic radiographs – 3 views
  • Abdominal imaging – ultrasound preferred
  • Radiographs of localized areas of bone or joint pain, if present
Sampling
Sampling
  • Tissue sampling of any detected masses or enlarged lymph nodes for pathological analysis

In some cases, advanced imaging (such as CT and/or MRI) may be indicated.

Cancer Workup & Findings

Diagnosis from histopathology: Hemangiosarcoma

  • Abdominal ultrasound – hypoechoic mass in the liver; mottled spleen and liver
    • When shaving for ultrasound, multiple red-black miliary skin lesions noted
  • Oncologist visit scheduled 4 weeks out
  • Additional dermal lesions developed while awaiting oncology appointment
    • Biopsied lesions (pinna + perianal area + ventrum)

Case Takeaways

Outcome: Veterinarian

OncoK9 detected the presence of cancer in a patient with no clinical signs, and helped shorten the path to diagnosis by providing lead time for imaging scheduling.

Outcome: Owner

OncoK9 gave Bella’s owners the time to prepare and the option to start therapy.

Outcome: Patient

Bella was able to get started on therapy prior to developing clinical signs, potentially giving her prolonged good quality of life.

Case Summary

  • 11yo FS asymptomatic Golden Retriever with no suspicion of cancer
  • OncoK9: Cancer Signal Detected
  • Confirmatory Cancer Evaluation recommended
  • Skin masses & military red-black skin nodules noted, confirmed to be hemangiosarcoma on histopathology
  • Client pursued oncology consultation and elected to begin palliative care

Join the Revolution in Early Cancer Detection for Dogs

If you are ready to add the OncoK9 multi-cancer early detection test to your veterinary practice, we would love to hear from you.

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