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
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
- Thorough clinical history
- Thorough physical exam
- Including oral and rectal exam
Laboratory
- CBC and Chemistry
- Urinalysis
Imaging
- Thoracic radiographs – 3 views
- Abdominal imaging – ultrasound preferred
- Radiographs of localized areas of bone or joint pain, if present
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