Dogs Detect Canine Cancer With 70% Accuracy
In a Penn Vet study, five scent-detection dogs identified blood samples from dogs with hemangiosarcoma with 70% accuracy, a step toward earlier screening.
Five scent-detection dogs have helped researchers identify a unique odor signature linked to hemangiosarcoma, a deadly canine cancer. According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the trained dogs distinguished blood serum samples from dogs with the disease with 70% accuracy.
The Canine Cancer Sniffers
The dogs, named Churro, Penny, Luna, Vauk, and Bonnie, worked at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. Their noses, which are at least 100,000 times more sensitive than a human's, can detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with diseases. Dr. Cynthia M. Otto, the center's executive director, led the research, which was backed in part by the AKC Canine Health Foundation and several breed clubs.
Clara Wilson, a postdoctoral research fellow at the center, called the work exciting, noting that it is the first study about dogs helping other dogs by sniffing out diseases. The goal is to use this discovery to develop a machine-based screening tool for earlier detection.
A Stealthy and Deadly Disease
Hemangiosarcoma is an aggressive cancer of the blood vessel lining that spreads rapidly. It often shows few signs until late stages, commonly affecting the spleen, heart, and skin. Tumors in the spleen can rupture, and heart tumors can cause fluid buildup leading to collapse.
The disease causes about 300,000 dog deaths annually in the United States, representing 5% to 7% of roughly 6 million new canine cancer cases each year. While any dog can develop it, older, large, deep-chested breeds like Golden Retrievers and German Shepherd Dogs are at higher risk.
Currently, no diagnostic tools or screening tests can detect hemangiosarcoma in its earliest stages. Imaging can find masses but cannot confirm they are this specific cancer.
Training Dogs for Medical Detection
The Penn Vet Working Dog Center has researched medical detection dogs for over a decade, investigating their ability to sniff out human diseases like COVID-19 and ovarian cancer. For this canine-focused study, dogs used specialized devices called olfactometers, which deliver controlled amounts of air mixed with odor from samples.
Clara Wilson explained that all odors contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that dissipate and evaporate into the air that people and dogs smell, and that trained dogs can detect the subtle VOCs at lower levels than people can.
The dogs had to distinguish the cancer scent from other odors they knew. In trials, each dog evaluated 12 sample sets. When they identified a target sample, they would freeze with their nose over the jar's opening for several seconds to signal a find.
The Team of Detection Dogs
Seven dogs began the training, but only five completed the program. They entered with varying experience levels.
| Dog Name | Breed | Age | Background |
|---|---|---|---|
| Churro | Belgian Malinois | 5 | Law enforcement explosives detection K9 |
| Bonnie | Not specified | 13 | AKC Scent Work and agility background |
| Penny | Mixed breed | 4 | Study participant |
| Luna | Collie | 7 | Study participant |
| Vauk | Labrador Retriever | 4 | Study participant |
Churro's owner, Robert T. Dougherty, Jr., said his dog is very trainable and social. Bonnie's owner, Patricia Raine, noted her dog's strong work ethic and focus, fueled by a love of string cheese. The dogs typically worked at the center for 30-minute sessions twice a week.
Robert T. Dougherty, Jr. Reflected on the work's purpose, stating they are participating in research that can help other dogs somewhere down the road.
