Detecting Skin Cancer Early in Dogs with HT Vista

Skin Cancer Screening in 40 Seconds

Advancing Tumor Detection in Pets

At Pet Wellness Clinics, we’re always looking for ways to give your pets the best possible care. That’s why we’ve invested in HT Vista, an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) device designed to detect skin cancer in pets early when treatment outcomes are best. Designed to provide a non-invasive way to investigate concerns about skin cancers when early intervention can lead to the best outcomes.

Did you know that half of dogs over 10 develop cancer, and about a third of these cases affect the skin? The good news is that catching it early dramatically improves outcomes. With a quick scan, we can identify if any issues and help you protect your furry friends before problems have a chance to grow.

HT Vista is safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by dogs. There are no needles, results are instant, and the test provides highly accurate, cost-effective insights.

Practical Uses of HT Vista in Veterinary Care 

HT Vista is particularly useful in routine health exams, especially for senior pets who are more susceptible to developing masses. It is also a valuable tool in urgent care and specialty clinics, where rapid decision-making is essential. 

• Mass Evaluation: Aging pets frequently develop growths, and HT Vista helps distinguish between benign and concerning growths quickly.
• Oncology Support: For pets with a history of cancer, HT Vista aids in monitoring for any suspicious changes.
• Pre-Surgical Guidance: When a mass is detected, HT Vista assists in determining whether surgical removal is necessary or if observation is sufficient.

Why Choose HT Vista? 

• Early Tumor Detection: Faster identification of concerning masses leads to timely intervention.
• Pain-Free & Non-Invasive: Eliminates the need for traditional diagnostic methods involving sedation or biopsies.
• Rapid Results: Delivers findings same day, allowing for prompt decision-making.
• Cost-Effective: Reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies or exploratory procedures.
• Enhanced Treatment Strategies: Supports informed planning for further tests, surgeries, or continued monitoring.

How HT Vista Works to Scan Your Pet's Lump

HT Vista operates by analyzing light waves reflected from tissue beneath the skin using heat diffusion imaging (HDI) and a multispectral camera. Its AI software examines the detailed images for unique optical patterns to assess the cancer risk of a skin mass.

The scan itself takes only 40 seconds, with results ready in just two minutes that allows our veterinarians to quickly determine whether further investigation is needed or if the mass is likely non-threatening. 

What to expect during the scan:

1. A small patch of fur from the skin must be clipped so the device can scan properly.
2. The device gently heats the lump by about 6°C (42°F) and is left to cool.
3. The device then monitors the thermal activity and special features of the tissue.
4. The data is then sent and analyzed by the AI to determine whether the mass is likely to be cancerous. Results are returned in two minutes!

Different types of skin react differently to heat: healthy skin maintains temperature, while unhealthy skin does not. This is because healthy and unhealthy tissue differ in structure, metabolism, and blood supply, allowing the AI to accurately identify potential concerns.

Understanding the Results 

Each lump receives a cancer risk value and category based on its probability of being malignant. The HT Vista uses a screening algorithm with 90% sensitivity and 98% negative predictive value, and in some cases, can even provide a preliminary diagnosis. 

If a mass scores high, we’ll discuss the results with you and may recommend a sample for lab analysis to confirm the findings. 

Take Action – Schedule a Scan Today 

If you notice a lump on your pet, don’t wait. Book an appointment at our Broad Ripple Pet Wellness Clinic today by calling (317) 516-5921. During your appointment, we will perform a quick 40-second HT Vista scan, review the results, and create a plan that’s right for your pet and your family if needed. Early detection saves lives, and we’re here to help every step of the way.