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The dogs then progress to using the scent wheel to identify samples.Ī key component of the Center’s training is the use of positive reinforcement. During the imprinting phase, the dogs are introduced to the scent and rewarded for a sniff. They have since moved on to imprinting on plasma (blood samples). The Center initially imprinted the dogs on tissue samples donated from ovarian cancer patients. So it was no surprise when the dogs quickly took to the training. With up to 300 million olfactory receptors – compared to six million in humans – and a surface area that is 30 times larger than ours, dogs are uniquely positioned to aid in disease detection. “They really see the world through their noses,” said Otto. Canines can smell 10,000 to 100,000 times more acutely than humans. “What we’re trying to do with this study is harness that remarkable ability to inform and create an electronic system for detecting early-stage ovarian cancer.”Ī dogs’ nose is indeed remarkable. Cindy Otto, Executive Director of the Center. I like to say that they ‘smell in color,’” said Dr. “We’ve always known that dogs have an incredible sense of smell. In 2013, the Working Dog Center began to study the science behind these stories by launching a cancer detection program with a grant from the Kaleidoscope of Hope Ovarian Cancer Foundation. Thanks to highly trained dogs like McBaine, there is hope for the future.Īnecdotes of dogs alerting their owners to undiagnosed cancer have permeated the news for years. The Center is currently focusing on ovarian cancer, known as “the silent killer” because there are often no symptoms of the disease until it has progressed to an advanced stage. Along with Labrador Retriever Ffoster and German Shepherd Tsunami, he is using his incredible sense of smell to help create an early cancer detection system that could one day save lives. McBaine is one of three cancer detection dogs in training at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center. McBaine has just successfully identified a malignant ovarian cancer blood sample. “Yes! Good boy, McBaine! Way to go, bud!” exclaims one of the trainers, as she rewards him with a treat. The only sound is that of a Springer Spaniel methodically sniffing twelve ports on a stainless steel wheel.