“We Thought it was Just Old Age”: How New Lymphoma Screening Saved Webber’s Life
At 12 years old, Webber, a much-loved Golden Labrador and former Guide Dog, was a fixture of his Melbourne neighbourhood. Known for his gentle nature, a bottomless appetite for carrots, and a love for his daily swims, he had always been the picture of vitality.
However, over the course of a few months, Andrew and Lisa noticed a subtle but heart-breaking shift in their companion. The once food-obsessed Labrador was no longer interested in eating. His energy vanished; he no longer wanted to go for walks or swim.
“He just wasn’t himself,” says Andrew Snelling. “He’d been deteriorating for a while, but it seemed to happen so quickly.”As Webber’s condition worsened and lumps began to appear on his body, the family began preparing for the worst. Given his age, they assumed they were witnessing a natural, albeit rapid, decline. “We had come to terms with the fact that we might have to say goodbye,” Andrew admits.
Hoping for answers before making a final decision, they visited Greencross Vets Burleigh Waters. It was a decision that would ultimately save Webber’s life.
The Silent Statistic: 1 in 4 Dogs
Webber’s story is a window into a reality many Australian pet owners face. Around one in four dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime. Lymphoma is among the most common forms, yet until now, it has often only been identified once symptoms are advanced.
“Dogs can seem completely healthy, and then deteriorate very quickly,” explains Dr. Magdoline Awad, Chief Veterinary Officer at Greencross Vets. “By the time we see clinical signs, the disease is often already quite advanced. That’s the reality many pet owners are facing.”
During Webber's consultation, Veterinary Director Dr. Josephine Hartono recommended a proactive approach through a senior wellness plan. Notably, this marks the first time such cancer screening has been incorporated into a structured senior wellness program in Australia. This included a ground-breaking new blood-based screening test developed by IDEXX Laboratories.
The test, called IDEXX Cancer Dx™, is designed to help detect canine lymphoma earlier—in some cases, months before clinical signs are noticed. Webber’s test came back positive.
A Pivot from Reactive to Proactive Care
For Andrew and Lisa, the diagnosis was a shock, but it was also a lifeline.
“Without that test, we would have just assumed it was old age and let him go. Instead, we were able to act.” — Andrew Snelling, Webber’s owner.”
With the guidance of their veterinary team, Webber began a treatment plan that was accessible and manageable. His medication is affordable, non-invasive, and simply administered at home with his meals.
Today, six months later, Webber isn’t just stable—he’s thriving. “He’s better than he was before we went in,” Andrew says. “He’s eating again and is back to loving his carrots. He has his energy back; he’s enjoying his walks and swims.”
Is Your Dog at Risk?
This shift in veterinary medicine is moving away from reactive treatment toward earlier detection, particularly for senior dogs (aged 9 to 12). However, for certain high-risk breeds, veterinarians are now suggesting screening from as young as four years of age.
Breeds with a higher predisposition to lymphoma include:
- Retrievers: Golden and Labrador
- Shepherds: German Shepherd and Flat-Coated Retriever
- Working Breeds: Rottweiler, Doberman Pinscher, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Bullmastiff
- Terriers & Others: Boxer, Beagle, Miniature Schnauzer, and both English and French Bulldogs
“Senior dogs deserve the same forward-thinking approach to healthcare that we value for ourselves.” — Dr. Magdoline Awad, Chief Veterinary Officer, Greencross Vets.”
“As veterinary medicine continues to shift toward earlier insight, tools that support preventive screening are becoming increasingly important.” says Dr. Jason Johnson, Chief Medical Officer at IDEXX Laboratories.
The Gift of Clarity
While no test can prevent cancer, earlier detection provides the one thing pet owners need most: time. The test can be incorporated into routine wellness checks, often using the same blood sample taken for standard annual labs, meaning no extra needles for the patient. It allows for more informed conversations between vets and owners before a crisis occurs.
For Webber’s family, the experience has completely reshaped how they view pet health. “We feel really lucky,” Andrew says. “If they hadn’t suggested the testing and talked us through it, Webber wouldn’t be here.”
Webber's most recent check-up showed his T-cells returning to normal. He is back to creating memories with the family who adores him—a living testament to why we should never just "assume it's old age."
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Editor’s Note: If your dog is a senior or belongs to a high-risk breed, consider discussing proactive cancer screening with your veterinarian during your next wellness visit.
