Veterinarians are exploring biophotonics to better see and monitor tumors in animals. These technologies use light to look at tissues. Some methods, like optical coherence tomography and fluorescence-guided imaging, are already being used more often in clinical settings. Other methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging, are still mostly used in research and early testing.
These tools aim to provide a non-invasive way to check on tumors. By using light instead of traditional methods, doctors might be able to reduce the need for invasive tissue samples. This could also mean less time spent using sedation or anesthesia for pets during the diagnostic process.
There are still some hurdles to using these tools in every clinic. The equipment is currently expensive, and there is a lack of standard rules for how to use them. Additionally, things like a pet's hair, skin thickness, or fur color can sometimes make it harder for the light to reach the tissue clearly. Because these technologies are still evolving, they are currently most useful for specialized monitoring and research.
