Study Reveals Cancer-Detection Dogs Can Accurately Identify Bladder Cancer in Other Dogs

Study Reveals Cancer-Detection Dogs Can Accurately Identify Bladder Cancer in Other Dogs

(IN BRIEF) A study led by the University of Bristol and published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology has demonstrated that trained dogs can accurately detect bladder cancer in other dogs through urine samples. Using a non-invasive method, the dogs achieved up to 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity in identifying cancerous samples. This breakthrough addresses the challenges of current diagnostic methods, which are invasive, costly, and time-consuming, and offers potential for earlier detection and intervention. The research suggests cancer cells emit unique odours, opening the door to developing electronic diagnostic tools inspired by the dogs’ abilities. Funded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, the study was a collaboration between Medical Detection Dogs, Davies Veterinary Specialists, the University of Bristol, and the Royal Veterinary College.

(PRESS RELEASE) BRISTOL, 7-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — A new study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol and published in Veterinary and Comparative Oncology, has shown that specially trained cancer-detection dogs can effectively identify bladder cancer in dogs through urine samples. This groundbreaking research highlights the potential for a rapid, non-invasive, and affordable diagnostic method for canine urothelial carcinoma (UC), the most common type of bladder cancer in dogs.

Training and Results

Three dogs trained by the charity Medical Detection Dogs (MDD)—Kizzy, Jobi, and Marlow—achieved impressive accuracy rates. They identified cancerous samples with up to 90% sensitivity and 95% specificity by sniffing urine samples and demonstrating behaviors such as sitting, standing, or staring to indicate a positive result.

The samples were collected from canine patients at Davies Veterinary Specialists and from healthy dogs owned by MDD staff and volunteers. During training, the dogs were rewarded for correctly identifying cancerous samples and for completing searches without false indications.

Addressing Diagnostic Challenges

Currently, diagnosing UC in dogs is invasive, costly, and time-consuming, often requiring histopathology of biopsy samples. UC’s symptoms frequently mimic common conditions like urinary tract infections or bladder stones, leading to potential misdiagnoses and delayed treatment. The ability of trained dogs to identify bladder cancer through urine samples could offer a faster and less intrusive alternative, enabling earlier detection and intervention.

Expert Perspectives

Claire Guest, CEO and Chief Scientific Officer of Medical Detection Dogs, expressed excitement over the findings:
“Dogs have consistently proven their ability to detect cancer in humans, and this study confirms they can do the same for other canines. This non-invasive method has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of bladder cancer in dogs, allowing earlier and more effective treatment.”

Dr. Nicola Rooney from the University of Bristol Veterinary School noted, “This research adds to the growing evidence of dogs’ remarkable ability to detect health-related odours in humans and animals alike.”

Isabelle Desmas-Bazelle, the study’s lead at Davies Veterinary Specialists and now Co-Head of Oncology at the Royal Veterinary College, highlighted the broader implications:
“The dogs showed sensitivity superior to cytology and comparable to the BRAF test, suggesting that cancer cells emit a unique odour pattern. This could pave the way for developing an electronic nose as an additional diagnostic tool.”

Future Implications

Funded by The Kennel Club Charitable Trust, this study could have significant implications for veterinary oncology. The promising results suggest the potential for developing a non-invasive electronic diagnostic device inspired by the dogs’ ability to detect volatile organic compounds associated with cancer.

This collaboration included contributions from Medical Detection Dogs, Davies Veterinary Specialists, the University of Bristol, and the Royal Veterinary College, underscoring the power of interdisciplinary research in advancing veterinary science.

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SOURCE: University of Bristol