Why Wait? Aspirate.
Masses must be sampled and evaluated under a microscope to determine what they are. The sooner we determine whether a mass is cancerous and should be removed, the better for your pet. Most skin and subcutaneous (under the skin) tumors can be cured when diagnosed early when masses are small.
I am Dr Sue Cancer Vet and I am on a mission to raise cancer awareness in dogs and cats, so we can diagnose earlier and save lives.
See Something, Do Something: Why wait? Aspirate!
See Something
When a skin mass is the size of pea or larger or has been present for 1 month,
Do Something
Aspirate or biopsy, and treat.
No, not even the most experienced veterinarian can look at or feel a mass and know if it is cancer or not. Your veterinarian must perform an aspirate or biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis.
Early detection saves lives.
Dr Sue’s Facebook Feed
SPOTLIGHT ON CANINE LYMPHOMA:
Early treatment is vital for successful outcomes. Once lymphoma is confirmed, it is recommended to start chemo as soon as possible – often that week – because this is a rapidly progressing cancer.One of the best thing about conferences is connecting with such a variety of people in our profession, at all stages of their career, doing all kinds of things! Was so excited to meet @drmoore.studentvet who was receiving a leadership award...sans ukelele! Students like him are leaders of the profession and I’m so excited for where they take us! #wvc #wvc2019 #vetschool #vetstudent
SPOTLIGHT ON CANINE LYMPHOMA:
Do not start prednisone (or any other steroids) until the diagnosis has been confirmed. Additional baseline tests may be recommended. Prednisone interferes with testing and the effectiveness of chemo.