Sniffing Out a Silent Killer
The Science of Small Brings Hope for Dogs
For thousands of years, dogs’ extraordinary noses have helped humans track game, detect predators, and navigate the world. Today, science is uncovering even more remarkable potential, with studies showing that dogs can detect certain diseases, like cancers, by scent. Now, veterinary researchers hope to harness these abilities to help the dogs themselves.
Many cancers release distinct odors known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through bodily secretions like sweat, skin oils, breath, urine, and feces. Trained dogs have already demonstrated the ability to detect human cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and prostate cancer, using their sense of smell.
Now, Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, and her research team at the University of Pennsylvania, supported by the AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF), are exploring whether dogs can sniff out cancer in other dogs. Their focus is on hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive and incurable canine cancer.
Searching for a Scent: Can Hemangiosarcoma Be Detected Earlier?
Hemangiosarcoma is a cancer of the cells that line blood vessels and most commonly affects the spleen and the heart. Known as the “silent killer,” hemangiosarcoma often progresses undetected until it causes internal bleeding or collapse. At that point, treatment options are limited, and the prognosis is grave.
Dr. Otto’s team is investigating whether dogs can detect a unique odor signature from hemangiosarcoma, potentially changing how and when the disease is initially identified. This work could lead to minimally invasive early tools for early detection and give veterinarians the ability to intervene sooner.
Biggie’s is a Story of a Life Taken Too Soon
Last August, Andrew Abdel-Malik lost his beloved dog, Biggie, to hemangiosarcoma. With a playful personality and a heart full of love, Biggie was more than a pet—she was family.
“She made us a family,” said Andrew. “There’s no way to describe how much we loved her.”
Her diagnosis came without warning. After a normal walk, she became suddenly lethargic. A ruptured tumor on her spleen had caused internal bleeding. Emergency surgery saved her life—for the moment—but she was given just one to three months to live.
Biggie beat the odds and lived another four months, even joining Andrew on vacation for his 40th birthday. Her family chose not to pursue chemotherapy, focusing instead on ensuring she enjoyed her remaining time to the fullest.
“I think the hardest part was learning there was nothing I could do for her,” Andrew said. “If there had been a test… anything… we would’ve done it.”
In Biggie’s honor, Andrew supports research efforts to detect and treat hemangiosarcoma earlier and possibly save other dogs from the same fate.
You Can Help Advance the Science
Dr. Otto’s team needs blood samples from:
- Dogs diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma
- Healthy dogs aged 4 years or older (any breed)
- Dogs with other illnesses (excluding hemangiosarcoma) who are 4 years or older
Click here to learn more about participating in this trial.
And you can honor Biggie’s memory by contributing to life-saving, canine-cancer research:
🐾 Paws & Reflect:
What’s the problem?
Hemangiosarcoma (HSA) is an aggressive cancer of the blood vessels that often develops silently, with few or no warning signs until it causes sudden internal bleeding or collapse.
What do dog owners need to know about this problem?
Hemangiosarcoma often goes undetected, and it can even be present when a dog appears healthy and receives normal results from a routine exam.
What is CHF doing to advance disease intervention?
CHF-funded researchers are looking into the possibility of smell-detection dogs as an avenue for potential early diagnosis.
What can an owner do to help their dog?
Stay alert for on-and-off-mild signs, such as lethargy or weakness, exercise intolerance, or decreased appetite - particularly for at-risk breeds.
How can you support CHF research?
You can make a direct impact by donating to the AKC Canine Health Foundation. Your support fuels critical research that leads to better diagnostics, treatments, and hope for dogs battling hemangiosarcoma and other serious diseases. Every gift brings us one step closer to saving lives. Join us in fueling the fight against hemangiosarcoma and other canine cancers—donate today and be a hero for dogs everywhere.
Help Future Generations of Dogs
Participate in canine health research by providing samples or by enrolling in a clinical trial. Samples are needed from healthy dogs and dogs affected by specific diseases.
