Lump and Bump Cancer Screening for Dogs
We know how concerning it can be to find a lump or bump on your dog. That’s why we’re proud to offer a new way to screen canine lumps and bumps with the VISTA iQ. The VISTA iQ is an advanced, gentle cancer-screening tool designed specifically for dogs, enabling us to assess the risk of your dog’s lump in real-time without any invasive procedures.
Sadly, around half of dogs over the age of 10 develop cancer, and about one-third of these cases involve skin tissue. Catching potential problems early can make a big difference in your dog’s long-term quality of life, which is why we’ve invested in this innovative technology.
What is the VISTA iQ?
The VISTA iQ is a safe, non-invasive screening tool that helps us assess your dog’s lumps and bumps, no needles involved.
Why pet owners love it:
- No needles
- Quick 40-second scan
- Results in just 2 minutes
- Highly accurate
- Comfortable and well-tolerated by dogs
How does it work?
The VISTA iQ utilizes groundbreaking technology known as Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI).
During the scan:
- The device gently warms the lump by 6°C (42°F)
- It then measures how the tissue warms up and cools down
Healthy and unhealthy tissues warm and cool at different rates because of differences in blood supply, metabolism, and tissue structure. This information is analysed by a trained and validated artificial intelligence system, and your dog’s result is ready in just two minutes.
Each lump is given:
- A cancer risk level (low, moderate, or high)
- A cancer risk percentage
- And, if it meets strict criteria, a diagnostic alert
What happens at the appointment?
Simply call us to book a screening appointment for your dog’s lump.
Your dog will be seen by one of our friendly veterinary nurses/technicians, who will:
- Perform an exam
- Discuss any lumps or bumps you’re worried about
- Clip a small patch of fur over each lump
- Perform the 40-second scan and review the results (ready in 2 minutes)
- Refer you to our veterinarians who will perform a full clinical assessment, discuss the results, and consult with you on the best next steps.
What happens next?
- Low Cancer Risk results usually mean we’ll recommend keeping an eye on the lump for any changes.
- Moderate or High Cancer Risk results may lead to a discussion about taking a small sample for laboratory testing (Fine Needle Aspiration or a Biopsy).
Found a Lump? We’re Here to Help
If you’ve noticed a new lump or bump on your dog, don’t panic – and don’t ignore it.
Book an appointment with our team and we’ll:
- Examine the lump
- Explain your options clearly
- Perform the quick, gentle scan
- Create a personalized plan for the next steps
Your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind are always our priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which lumps can be scanned?
- Dermal mass
- Subdermal mass
- Uninflamed masses
- Masses larger than 4-0.5 cm
- Masses on the head(away from the eye area), body, and tail
Can you scan a lump on my dog’s eye or foot pad?
Unfortunately, no.
- The light produced by the scanner might be unsafe to the eye.
- Some foot pad lumps cannot be scanned accurately because the device must include the surrounding healthy skin, which isn’t possible on the pads.
Can you scan a lump on my dog’s testicle/mammary/lymph nodes?
No. Testicles, mammary tissue, and lymph nodes cannot be scanned because these tissues behave differently from skin masses and are not part of the VISTA iQ’s algorithm.
Can ulcerated lumps be scanned?
No. Most ulcerated or infected masses must be treated and healed before scanning, as the tissue’s behavior can interfere with accurate results.
Does the size of the mass matter?
Yes. The minimum size that can be scanned is 0.4 cm.
Does the fur need to be clipped?
Yes. If the fur is present, it will block the heat waves reaching the mass tissue, and the AI system will not be able to assess the thermal activity.
Will the scan hurt my dog or affect a cancerous lump?
No. The scan is non-invasive and uses an LED light to gently warm the mass.
The temperature increase of 6°C / 42°F is safe for all patients and does not affect cancer cells. No PPE is needed.
What does a ‘Low Cancer Risk’ score mean?
A low result means the mass has an average cancer risk of 2% and 98% chance of being benign.
These lumps can usually be monitored at home and rescanned if their size or texture changes.
What does a ‘Moderate Cancer Risk’ score mean?
Moderate scores means an average cancer risk of 25% (1 in 4 risk for cancer). This means there is a moderate chance the mass is malignant, and further investigation is recommended. Some thermal features may have appeared suspicious, so sampling the mass is the safest next step, and may confirm the mass is benign.
Even though the mass may still turn out benign, early detection is important for the best outcomes.
What does a ‘High Cancer Risk’ score mean?
A High score indicates a cancer risk above 50% (more than a 1 in 2 risk for cancer), and further investigation is required.
We will discuss options such as a Fine Needle Aspiration or biopsy.
Why did one mass receive a diagnosis and the other did not?
Each mass is analyzed independently. Only lumps that meet the algorithm’s strict criteria will receive a diagnostic alert.
If you spot a lump on your dog, don’t wait and see; call us to book an appointment today.
For more information about Vista iQ visit https://www.ht-vet.com/pet-owners-page/.
Contact us today to schedule a cancer scan for your dog.