Prevention & screening

"Without treatment for his melanoma, I was told Bodo, my Deutsh Drahthaar, would live only 5 months. Although he was 12 years old, surgery might add an additional 3 years to his life. I never thought about not doing it. Then Bodo was referred to a BrightHeart Veterinary Center where he was lucky enough to be enrolled in a trial of the first vaccine conditionally approved for melanoma." – Vicky Pollen

Preventing most neoplastic diseases is difficult because the causes are not known, however, early detection, diagnosis and specialized treatment can profoundly impact the prognosis of affected animals. If neoplasia is suspected based on the pet's medical history and physical exam, we urge that additional tests, such as radiographs, blood tests, and ultrasound exams be undertaken immediately. Biopsy of the lesion for histopathology is needed to confirm the diagnosis and determines if the disease is benign or malignant. Further biopsies of tissues such as lymph nodes are useful to learn if the neoplasm has spread. We also recommend consulting with oncology specialists who will work in partnership with you and the owner to confirm the diagnosis, determine the staging and plan the treatment.

Point of Excellence - Pioneering Treatment Innovation

In 1999, BrightHeart's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Philip J. Bergman attended a dinner that would lead to a breakthrough in the treatment of canine melanoma at any stage. There, he learned that his belief that the immune system could be enlisted to combat cancer was being tested by researchers who were developing a melanoma vaccine. Four months later, Dr. Bergman was pioneering a clinical trial of the vaccine in dogs which is administered transdermally using a pressurized air device. Results have been dramatic: Jake, one of the original patients, had Stage IV melanoma. Typically, dogs at that stage have one to two months to live. Jake survived for more than five years, and when he died of another disease, the postmortem showed no evidence of melanoma.