Dog Lump & Bump Screening
Lumps and Bumps Cancer Screening for Dogs
We know how worrying it can be to find a lump or bump on your dog. That’s why we’re proud to offer canine dermal mass screening using the VISTA iQ – an advanced, gentle cancer-screening tool designed especially for dogs.
Sadly, around half of dogs over the age of 10 develop cancer, and about one-third of these cases involve dermal tissue. Catching potential problems early can make a big difference, which is why we’ve invested in this innovative technology to support both our patients and their owners.
What is the VISTA iQ?
The VISTA iQ is a safe, non-invasive screening device that helps us assess your dog’s lumps and bumps – no needles involved.
Why pet owners love it:
- 🐾 No needles
- ⏱️ Quick 40-second scan
- 📊 Results in just 2 minutes
- ✅ Highly accurate
- 💙 Comfortable and well tolerated by dogs
How does it work?
The VISTA iQ uses a clever technology called Heat Diffusion Imaging (HDI).
During the scan:
- The device gently warms the lump by 6°C (42°F)
- It then measures how the tissue cools down
Healthy and unhealthy tissues cool at different rates because of differences in blood supply, metabolism, and structure. This information is analysed by artificial intelligence, and your dog’s result is ready in just two minutes.
Each lump is given:
- A cancer risk level (Low, Moderate, or High)
- A cancer risk percentage
- And, if it meets strict criteria, a diagnostic alert
What happens at the appointment?
Simply call us to book a lumps and bumps screening appointment.
Your dog will be seen by one of our friendly veterinary nurses, who will:
- Carry out a full-body check
- Talk through any lumps or bumps you’re worried about
- Clip a small patch of fur over each lump so we get the most accurate scan
- Perform the 40-second scan and review the results (ready in 2 minutes)
What happens next?
- Low risk results usually mean we’ll recommend keeping an eye on the lump for any changes
- Moderate or High risk results may lead to a discussion about taking a small sample for laboratory testing
Found a Lump? We’re Here to Help
If you’ve noticed a new lump or bump on your dog, don’t panic – and don’t ignore it.
Book an appointment with our team and we’ll:
- Examine the lump
- Explain your options clearly
- Perform the quick, gentle scan
- Create a personalised plan for the next steps
Your dog’s comfort and your peace of mind are always our priority 🐶💙
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scan a lump on my dog’s eye or foot pad?
Unfortunately, no.
- The light must be held close to the eye, which is unsafe.
- Foot pads cannot be scanned accurately because the device must include the surrounding healthy skin, which isn’t possible on the pads.
Can you scan a lump on my dog’s testicle?
No. Testicles, mammary tissue, and lymph nodes cannot be scanned because these tissues behave differently from dermal masses and are not part of the device’s algorithm.
Can ulcerated lumps be scanned?
No. Ulcerated or infected masses must be treated and healed before scanning, as the tissue’s behaviour can interfere with accurate results.
Does the size of the mass matter?
Yes. The minimum size that can be scanned is 0.5 cm.
Does the fur need to be clipped?
Yes. If the fur is present, it will block the heat waves reaching the mass tissue, and the AI will not be able to assess the thermal activity.
Will the device hurt my dog or affect a cancerous lump?
No. The device is non-invasive and uses an LED light to gently warm the mass. The temperature increase of 6°C / 42°F is safe for all patients and does not affect cancer cells.
What does a Low score mean?
A Low result means the mass has a cancer risk below 10%. These lumps can usually be monitored at home and rescanned if their size or texture changes.
What does a Moderate score mean?
Moderate scores fall between 10% and 50% risk. This means there is a moderate chance the mass is malignant, and further investigation is recommended. Some thermal features may have appeared suspicious, so sampling the mass is the safest next step.
Even though the mass may still turn out benign, early detection is important for the best outcomes.
What does a High score mean?
A High score indicates a cancer risk above 50%, and further investigation is required. We will discuss options such as an FNA or biopsy.
Why did one mass receive a diagnosis and the other did not?
Each mass is analysed independently. Only lumps that meet the algorithm’s strict specificity requirements will receive a diagnostic alert. If one of two lumps reaches this threshold, it will receive a diagnosis while the other may not.
