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VDI-tkcanine Test

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Last Modified: September 17, 2012

Question

A comment and link was recently posted on Facebook regarding a test for cancer in canines. The test was VDI-tkcanine and was reported to be able to diagnose cancer with a blood test. Since my vet was not familiar with this test, I was wondering if it is an acceptable/valid test and in use by oncologist vets.

Lili Duda, VMD, MBE, DACVR Veterinary Radiation Oncologist- University of Pennsylvania, responds:

Answer

The VDI-tkcanine test and other similar tests are new in the veterinary field, and do show some promise. It is too soon to tell how useful they will be, and what types of cancers for which they will be most helpful. These tests are NOT screening tests to be used in healthy animals. Rather, they are used in pets with symptoms suspicious for cancer, and in conjunction with other tests to help specifically diagnose the type and location of cancer.

Learn more about Evaluating Lumps, Bumps & Swelling in Veterinary Medicine

This question and answer was part of the OncoLink Brown Bag Chat Series. View the entire transcript from When a Beloved Pet has Cancer.