DIY tips for diagnosing cancer of canine subcutaneous and dermal masses in general practice (BVA Live 2023)

Cancer is the leading cause of death in 45-47% of dogs over the age of 10 years old. About one third of these incidents are related to subcutaneous or dermal neoplasia. Cancer diagnosis at an earlier stage is key in treatment planning. Furthermore, the ability to easily diagnose early-stage neoplasia in general practices should improve patient welfare and prognosis dramatically.

Skin and subcutaneous masses very widely in size, location, and severity. The key differential diagnoses for these masses include cysts, abscess, scar tissues and neoplasia, which can either be benign or malignant.

The current guidelines for cancer diagnosis emphasise the need for a diagnostic plan rather than choose the 'wait and see' approach. Currently, the two key invasive diagnostic methods available for clinicians are Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) and biopsy. In this lecture we will also introduce an innovative non-invasive decision-support modality, using Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI) and an AI-based analysis, which empowers vets and nurse to rule out cancer on-the-spot in their own practice.

• Explore the differential diagnoses for the most common skin and subcutaneous masses in dogs.
• Explore the current approach for diagnosing subcutaneous and dermal cancer in dogs.
• Introduce a new non-invasive innovative approach for cancer diagnosis of subcutaneous and dermal masses in dogs