How Does a Vet Diagnose Cancer in Dogs and Cats?
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we treat your pets like family and work to provide the answers you need.
Hearing the word “cancer” in relation your beloved pet can be devastating. It’s a sobering reality that over 50% of dogs above the age of 10 and 32% of cats will face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. [1]
Early detection gives your pet a better chance at recovery and provides you with the clarity and confidence to take the next steps. Just like in humans, cancers in animals identified early are often treatable—and in some cases, even curable. That’s why having the right experts and advanced diagnostic tools is crucial.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI), we specialize in finding answers. With state-of-the-art imaging technology and a team of board-certified specialists, we’re committed to helping pet owners navigate this challenging time with clarity and care.
In this article, you’ll learn:
How veterinarians diagnose cancer in animals using advanced imaging tools
Why CT and MRI scans are essential for accurate diagnoses
How Sage Veterinary Imaging provides modern solutions for pet cancer care
Let’s dive into how to take the right steps for your pet’s health starting today!
How Can I Find Out If My Pet Has Cancer?
If you suspect your pet has cancer, it’s natural to feel anxious and overwhelmed. The first step is to contact your veterinarian, who can help guide you toward the right diagnostic process.
In many cases, your vet may refer you to an outpatient imaging center for specialized care. Alternatively, you can visit Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI) directly. We specialize in cancer diagnostics and can provide a clear picture of where the cancer is and what steps to take next.
Sage Veterinary Imaging’s human-quality, research-grade, 3T MRI and 128-slice CT equipment are made to locate precisely where the problem is. We can also refer you to our trusted network of local oncologists, which means you have access to experts in pet cancer diagnosis and surgery. Several treatment plans are available in our clinic, depending on your pet’s situation.
5 Common Types of Cancers in Dogs
Over 100 types of cancer can affect dogs, which develop cancer at a rate similar to humans. Among these, skin tumors are the most common and are often benign.
For cats, leukemia and lymphoma are among the most frequently diagnosed cancers, but cats tend to have fewer cancers than dogs. [2] However, any lump or bump should be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure an accurate assessment.
Here are five common types of cancer in dogs that are typically malignant and may require advanced diagnostic imaging for detection and treatment planning:
Lymphoma: A blood cancer that affects lymphoid tissues, including the bone marrow, liver, spleen, and lungs.
Mast Cell Tumors: Cancer affecting the skin and other surfaces, including the mouth and nose. These tumors vary widely in severity and require precise grading and assessment.
Melanoma: A highly common malignant tumor, often found in a dog’s mouth.
Bone Cancer (Osteosarcoma): Frequently seen in larger breeds, this aggressive cancer targets the bones.
Hemangiosarcoma: A fast-growing and highly malignant cancer that can form tumors almost anywhere, commonly in the heart or spleen.
Given how common cancer is in aging pets, routine checkups and early intervention can significantly improve outcomes.
Sage Veterinary Imaging uses research-grade, advanced diagnostic imaging tools to precisely locate cancer in dogs and cats.
How Vets Use Diagnostic Imaging to Detect Cancer in Pets
Diagnosing cancer in animals requires advanced tools to ensure accuracy. Veterinary imaging centers like Sage Veterinary Imaging use cutting-edge diagnostic techniques to identify and assess cancer in pets.
Tools Used to Diagnose Cancer in Pets:
CT Scans: Superior to X-rays, CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images that reveal the exact location, size, and impact of tumors.
MRI Scans: These produce highly detailed 3D images, ideal for detecting changes in soft tissues, joints, and bone marrow.
X-rays and Ultrasounds: While X-rays and ultrasounds are more common tools, they lack the precision of CT and MRI, which are critical for accurately diagnosing and treating cancers in pets. These tools are often used for initial screenings but may require follow-up with more advanced imaging for a complete diagnosis.
While many veterinarians can perform initial diagnostics, the precise imaging provided by specialized centers is crucial for identifying cancer early and planning effective treatments. At Sage Veterinary Imaging, we offer state-of-the-art equipment and techniques that make a significant difference in cancer diagnosis and care.
Why CT and MRI Are Essential for Cancer Diagnosis
Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scans are among the most effective tools for detecting cancer in pets. This advanced imaging technology provides unparalleled detail about internal organs, making it invaluable for diagnosing and planning treatments.
Advantages of CT Scans:
High-resolution imaging to identify small or hidden tumors.
Ability to perform image-guided biopsies for precise sampling.
Particularly effective for diagnosing brain and nasal tumors.
We use a Philips 128-slice CT scanner at Sage Veterinary Imaging—the same high-speed, high-accuracy equipment found in leading human hospitals. This ensures:
Sharper Images: Allowing for better diagnosis and surgical planning.
Minimal Sedation: Unlike slower CT machines, our scanner is so fast that anesthesia is rarely required, ensuring a safer and less stressful experience for your pet.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRI uses magnetic fields to create highly detailed, real-time images. While particularly effective for evaluating soft tissues and detecting subtle changes in blood flow, MRI scans require anesthesia for your pet to remain still during the procedure.
Best Uses for MRI:
Assessing brain or spinal masses.
Diagnosing issues in soft tissues, joints, and tendons.
Detecting bone marrow abnormalities.
At Sage Veterinary Imaging, our 3T MRI scanner provides human-quality imaging, offering pet owners peace of mind with clear and actionable results.
The team at Sage Veterinary Imaging includes board-certified radiologists, experienced veterinarians, skilled technicians, and dedicated staff, all working together to provide your pet with the highest quality care.
Sage Veterinary Imaging: Helping Pets with State-of-the-Art Diagnostics
At SVI, we understand how much your pet means to you. That’s why we’ve provided research-grade, 3T MRI, and 128-slice CT for pets in Round Rock, Texas, for over nine years. With our new location in Sandy, Utah, we’re proud to expand our reach and bring the same high-quality diagnostic services to even more families.
When your pet shows signs of distress or unusual behavior, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward recovery. With twice the resolution and half the imaging time of conventional scanners, we help you confidently make informed decisions.
Let us help you navigate this journey with clarity and care. Visit our Contact Us page to schedule your pet’s CT or MRI scan today!
Sources:
FETCH a Cure. (n.d.). Facts About Pets and Cancer. Retrieved from https://fetchacure.org/resource-library/facts/
American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Senior Pet Care FAQ. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/senior-pet-care-faq
OncoLink. (n.d.). 10 Steps to Take When Your Pet Has Cancer. Retrieved from https://www.oncolink.org/cancers/vet/10-steps-to-take-when-your-pet-has-cancer
National Center for Biotechnology Information. (2019). Epidemiology of Cancer in Dogs and Cats. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6448413/
