June 19, 2006 - Day 6 - Week 11 - Cancer Sniffing Dogs

Dogs are amazing animals, beloved companions, and vital members of search and rescue teams.  Now they are being trained to search for more than just drugs, lost people, or buried survivors. Here comes the cancer detecting canine.

In a recent article from the New York Times titled Dogs and Their Fine Noses Find New Career Paths I was not too surprised to learn that trainers are turning their attention to creative ways to use the superior dog nose.  It is well known that dogs have 20-40 times the number of nasal receptor cells that you and I have, but do you know that they are able to detect the tiniest of odors, even only a few parts per billion.

“You can train a dog for anything that has a unique or mostly unique odor,” comments Dr. Myers.  “In the case of cancer, scientists believe that dogs may be picking up biological compounds, like alkanes and benzene derivatives that are not found in healthy tissue.”

The cancer detection research is in a preliminary stage, but some early tests, with a variety of cancers like lung and bladder show a success rate better than conventional tests.  This statement from the NY Times article gave new meaning to the term ‘human’s best friend.’

Can you imagine a world where million dollar stainless steel and titanium state of the art medical marvels are replaced by a 2 pound Chihuahua?  A world where our dog sits by our side sniffing us affectionately before we go to bed at night is not a world of science fiction but a world re-affirming that some of life’s biggest challenges may be answered with the most natural solutions.  Dogs have acute smell and to use that gift of creation for the good of all would be remarkable.

Maybe the conversation at home will go something like this:  Excuse me dear, Fido has detected the beginnings of a tumor in my lymph system.  I think I will try an extra dose of broccoli, seaweed, and barley green for the next two weeks and then have him check it again.

Just think of the savings.  A few bowls of kibble a day and maybe a new rawhide chew toy weekly and our at home diagnostic friend is perfectly content.  Until that day arrives I will be following up on traditional and alternative therapies, but I will continue to respect all in creation for from the natural world will probably arise untold cures for all sorts and conditions of maladies.  Everything belongs here for a reason.  Each day we may unlock another of creation’s secrets.

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