Fewer than four in ten skin masses seen in US small-animal practice are sampled by fine needle aspiration (FNA), according to a new study published in Veterinary Oncology. On average, respondents aspirated just 39% of the dermal and subcutaneous masses they examined, leaving 61% without an FNA.
The study, led by veterinary oncologist Dr. Gillian Dank, Chief Veterinary Officer at HT VET, and funded by HT VET, surveyed 240 vets, practice owners and veterinary technicians across the United States. Only 29% said they aspirate more than half of the masses they see.
“Every vet knows lumps and bumps should be sampled,” said Shani Toledano, CEO at HT VET. “What this study shows is how often that doesn't happen in a real, busy day. When 61% of masses aren't aspirated, pets may be going home with no test beyond a hands-on exam. That isn't a knowledge problem. It's a workflow and confidence problem, and that's something we can help solve with VISTA iQ.”
Around 30% of all canine and feline tumours arise in the skin. Of these, 15% are malignant in dogs*. Current AAHA oncology guidelines recommend FNA or biopsy for any mass of 1 cm or more that persists for a month or longer. Respondents in the study named three main reasons for skipping an FNA: the mass was assumed to be benign (35%), cost concerns (32%), the client declined for reasons other than cost (19%).
HT VET developed VISTA iQ to address exactly these barriers. The handheld scanner combines HDI with artificial intelligence to analyse how a mass responds to gentle heat. The scan is quick, non-invasive and painless, and results are available during the consultation.
VISTA iQ is a screening tool that gives each mass a cancer risk result and acts as part of the triaging service to help the vet establish the best next step. HT VET’s validation study published in Veterinary Sciences, September 2026 found the technology has a negative predictive value of 98% at an assumed 15% malignancy rate*.
Masses with a higher cancer risk have strong justification for further diagnostic tests. In HT VET's own survey of 77 customer clinics in April 2026, 51% reported performing more FNAs, 65% more biopsies and 79% more mass removals.
“The three biggest barriers in this study all come down to confidence at the point of decision,” continues Shani. “A vet may feel a mass is probably benign. An owner may hesitate to go ahead with further tests. VISTA iQ gives both of them an objective, science-backed information, right there in the room, so the next step is clear. VISTA iQ doesn't replace the FNA. It makes sure the masses that need one get one.”
VISTA iQ scans can be performed by credentialed veterinary technicians, freeing vet time in busy schedules. Masses flagged for further investigation lead naturally to FNA, cytology, histopathology and surgical planning. That is more diagnostic work completed in-clinic and new revenue for the practice, driven by better medicine.
“Veterinary diagnostics is moving fast, and we intend to stay at the front of it,” explains Shani. “Our team has spent years developing and validating this technology, and we keep publishing so that veterinarians can see the evidence for themselves. Our goal is to help veterinary teams do the very best for every pet that comes through the door.”
Dr. Gillian Dank will join Dr. Natalie Marks and Dr. Craig Clifford for a free Clinician's Brief webinar sponsored by HT VET, "The Pandemic Puppy Generation Grows Older: Objective Cancer Screening for Canine Lumps & Bumps", on November 9, 2026, at 1 pm ET: https://www.google.com/url?q=https:/...tnerref%3DHTVe t&source=gmail&ust=1793104266001000&sa=E
The full paper, Underutilisation of fine needle aspiration for canine and feline superficial masses: survey results (Dank et al., Veterinary Oncology, 2026), is open access at https://doi.org/10.1186/s44356-026-00077-0.
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