Cancer Markers in Dogs

Tests for cancer in dogs include blood tests, X-rays, PET scans, MRI and CT imaging. Like humans, cancers found their early stages in dogs have a higher cure rate. Cancer markers help vets determine the type and stage of the cancer.

  1. Definition

    • Cancer markers are molecules that do not appear on or are not produced by normal cells. The presences of these molecules indicates abnormal cells or cell mutation associative with cancer.

    Testing

    • Cancer markers in dogs are found through tests such as X-rays, PET scans, MRI and CT imaging. These tests provide images of tissues and organs to determine the location of a tumor.

    Common Cancers

    • The most common cancers with markers found in dogs include skin cancers, mammary tumors and lymphoma.

    Common Markers

    • Each type of cancer has a specific marker. The most common cancer markers in dogs include: Ki67, c-kit proto-oncogene, MAb 1A10, MAb SB2, Type IX collagen, AgNOR, Plasma thymidine kinase, CCI-103F, CD3, CD79a, BrdU labling index, Chromogranin A plasma concentration and basic fibroblast growth factor urine concentration.

    Indications

    • Cancer markers in dogs indicate the presence of cancer, its invasiveness, determine staging and help vets monitor reoccurrence of the disease after or throughout treatment.