Overview
- Double-blinded trials used olfactometers to evaluate five previously trained bio-detection dogs on serum from confirmed hemangiosarcoma cases, diseased controls, and healthy controls.
- Across all trials, the dogs correctly identified cancer-positive samples about 70% of the time using specimens not included in their initial training.
- Results provide proof that hemangiosarcoma emits a detectable pattern of volatile organic compounds that dogs can recognize.
- Researchers suggest a future test could flag dogs for follow-up imaging such as ultrasound or CT to enable earlier intervention for a cancer that currently lacks early diagnostics.
- The peer-reviewed study from Penn Vet’s Working Dog Center was published in The Veterinary Journal and reported no competing financial interests, with support from multiple canine health foundations.