Aug. 2, 2012 -
PRLog -- Now Available through the Veterinary Diagnostics Institute (VDI), the VDI-TKCanine+
blood test detects and monitors cancer in dogs. Through an exclusive partnership, the National Canine Cancer Foundation, http://www.wearethecure.org, is excited to announce this advancement in canine cancer detection and has thus awarded the TKCanine+ test their “Seal of Excellence.”
“When we started the National Canine Cancer Foundation and wrote our mission statement ’to save dogs lives by finding cures, better treatments and accurate, cost effective diagnostics,’
it was my belief that someday we would be able to present a highly effective method for detecting and monitoring cancer in dogs. It is with great pleasure that I can announce to all dog owners and veterinarians the availability of this new tool to assist in the management of Canine Cancer.”
-Gary Nice, Founder and President of the National Canine Cancer Foundation
NCCF Scientific Board Member Dr. Kim Selting, Associate Teaching Professor Veterinary Oncology at the University of Missouri has been integral in the refinement of VDI-TKCanine+
. “Minimally invasive testing such as a blood borne biomarker is useful in routine management of animals with cancer. Blood tests can be performed without anesthesia and can be performed in any location by sending a blood sample to a testing point.” –Dr. Kim Selting
Q: What is this test?
A: VDI-TKcanine+
is a blood test for dogs, with a quick 24 hour turnaround, used to help aid diagnosis when cancer is suspected, and to monitor the course of treatment once the presence of cancer is confirmed. VDI-TKcanine+
test is a very good adjunct to assess if cancer might be present in dogs where there are other signs of the disease. It is used to help confirm a diagnosis of cancer, often in combination with a physical examination and other diagnostic procedures. The test is also used following the diagnosis of cancer, to help determine if the cancer has spread or returns, through periodic monitoring. This test run by veterinarians and is made available to all veterinarians in the U.S.
Q: What does this test measure?
A: The principle element, or biomarker, that VDI -TKCanine+ measures in the dog’s blood is an enzyme called thymidine kinase or TK for short. TK is released into the blood stream by cells that are undergoing unusually rapid cell division; a hallmark of cancer.
Q: How effective is this test?
A: VDI -TKCanine+ is very good at confirming the presence of cancer when the test returns a ‘positive’
result (a result above the range of normal). The test is also good, but not perfect, in confirming that cancer does not exist, when the result falls in the normal range. There is a possibility that certain types of cancer, or cancer in very early stage, might still result in a ‘normal’ result. No diagnostic test is perfect. Like most diagnostic tests, VDI-TKCanine+
is most effective when used in combination with the other established procedures veterinarians have available to them.
Q: What should I discuss with my Vet regarding this test?
A: A positive test should always be followed by additional confirmatory tests, including imaging, biopsy, etc. VDI-TKCanine+
is an additional tool along with many other methods that Vets can use to assess the condition of your dog if you dog is sick and your are concerned that it maybe be cancer. If your vet is not familiar with the test, they can obtain information by contacting the laboratory that provides the test, Veterinary Diagnostics Institute (VDI).
http://www.vdilab.comAdditionally, as part of the partnership VDI will make ongoing monetary donations to the National Canine Cancer Foundation grant research fund and work closely on new tests. "VDI is not only interested in developing diagnostic tests for cancer, but also in helping discover new cancer treatments and cures. Accordingly, VDI donates a portion of each VDI-TKCanine+
test purchased to the NCCF to fund cancer research. Together, we are the cure." - Randy Ringold President, VDI
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