INNOVATIVE DEVICE AIDS IN EARLY DETECTION OF CANCER IN DOGS

In the world of veterinary medicine, diagnosing tumors in dogs is a daily challenge. "Statistics showing that 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will develop cancer, one in every four dogs will have a tumor during their lifetime, and about 15% of the tumors that are detected are cancerous, are very worrying to dog owners and veterinarians, and highlight the importance of early and accurate diagnosis," says Shani Toledano, CEO of HT Vet, which developed HT Vista, a medical device designed to improve the ability of veterinarians to diagnose tumors.

For veterinarians, dealing with tumors poses a constant dilemma – how to quickly and effectively decide whether a tumor is benign or suspicious and requires further diagnosis without performing invasive procedures, and how to persuade the dog's owner to choose diagnosis over monitoring.

Saving the dog's life

Dr. David Cohen, a Canadian veterinarian who immigrated to Israel in 1995 and opened a clinic in Jaffa, is familiar with this challenge. "In the past, every tumor was a source of concern and uncertainty. Veterinarians had to choose between dangerous waiting and performing invasive cytology that was not always necessary – and which deterred the dog owners," he says.

Dr. Cohen's clinic began using HT Vista earlier this year. "By using heat waves and monitoring heat absorption in the tissue, the system detects minute differences in heat diffusion between healthy and cancerous tissues," explains Toledano.

The patent is based on the fact that cancerous tissues respond differently to heat, which enables accurate and rapid diagnosis. "Using HT Vista has changed the way I treat tumors," explains Dr. Cohen. "I can provide my clients with quick and accurate answers, without the need to wait for laboratory results or perform unnecessary procedures, and without sending them home with a partial diagnosis," he adds.

The company explains that HT Vista is user-friendly and no special expertise is needed to perform the test or interpret the results. The user places the scanner on the tumor and the rest is done automatically by a trained AI algorithm. The scan lasts only 40 seconds, and the results are available in about two more minutes. "The system is able to determine if the tumor is benign with a 98% probability, which is considered a high level of accuracy in the medical field," says Toledano.

Dr. Cohen relates that when he started using the device, a dog came to the clinic with a completely innocent-looking tumor. "The tumor appeared a certain way and felt benign. We thought there was no room for doubt in such a situation. In the past we might have recommended only monitoring and sent the dog and owner on their way. However, the HT Vista scan showed a high risk of malignancy and signaled to the clinic staff that further attention was required." This led to performing cytology in Dr. Cohen's clinic, which revealed an early-stage cancerous tumor. "I can say with confidence that it saved the dog's life. It was the first case where I was surprised, and since then it has happened several more times," he says.

A sense of relief for dog owners

Ayala Tayar, who has 20 years of experience in the veterinary field and is the sales manager of HT Vista in Israel, emphasizes the technology's positive effect on the customer experience. "Dog owners feel tremendous relief when they get quick and accurate answers," she explains. "In the past, the process of diagnosing tumors was stressful and painful – for both the dogs and their owners. The traditional procedure, which involves inserting a needle into the tumor, is unpleasant for the dog and stressful for the owner, so many chose to wait rather than diagnosing. This reduces anxiety and increases trust between the veterinarian and their clients."

Tayar, who has worked with leading companies in the pharmaceutical and dog food industries, brings extensive experience to her position at HT Vet. "I joined the company because I believe in the importance of early detection," she says. "I saw how most clinics are busy 'putting out fires' and not focusing on prevention. Early detection really saves lives, and I see it as a mission," she says.

The company explains that with HT Vista, the diagnosis becomes more pleasant and less threatening. The test is quick, non-invasive and does not cause discomfort to the dog. "Dog owners report a sense of relief and confidence when they see the veterinarian using such advanced technology. It's like seeing your doctor using the latest equipment," explains Tayar. "It gives you the confidence that your dog is getting the best care," she adds.

Dr. Cohen adds that "a significant change is evident in the dog owners' willingness to perform additional tests when needed. We have performed dozens of tests, with some dogs even having more than one mass scanned. When it comes to needles, people are often afraid and hesitate, and may decide to leave the clinic without performing any tests."

The future of veterinary medicine

Toledano, who has a technological background with two degrees in engineering and artificial intelligence, developed the technology after her father fell ill and passed away from cancer. She views this technology as just the beginning of a revolution. "Our vision is to make early diagnosis a standard in every veterinary clinic."

According to the company, the revolution in veterinary medicine is more than just a technological improvement. "This is a new approach to tumor diagnosis, which combines scientific precision with clinical efficiency and enhances the customer experience," says Toledano. For veterinarians like Dr. Cohen, this is an opportunity to provide a more advanced level of treatment. "As a veterinarian, it is a very meaningful experience. The satisfaction of the dog owners is significant," says Dr. Cohen.

The impact of HT Vista extends beyond the individual clinic. Dr. Cohen points out that the technology makes it possible to share information on a global level, which advances research and improves care for dogs worldwide. He also emphasizes the support the company provides: "The marketing and service they provide are exceptional. They stand behind the product and review every case I check. They look at the results, sometimes contact me and can help. It's like having another dermatologist and oncologist in the picture assisting me," he explains.

"With this innovative technology, the field of veterinary medicine is expected to move forward, offer better treatment for dogs and give peace of mind to their owners," concludes Toledano. "HT Vista not only changes the way tumors are diagnosed, but also redefines the relationships between veterinarians, animals and their owners, ensuring a healthy future for our pets."

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