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North Shelby Animal Hospital Contributes to Canine Cancer Detection Study

North Shelby Animal Hospital Contributes to Canine Cancer Detection Study
September 28, 2023

In a study recently published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (JAVMA), six remarkable dogs, including hospital manager, Ashley McLure’s pup, Margaux, have been trained using reward-based positive reinforcement techniques to detect cancer in saliva samples from other dogs. This innovative research has the potential to transform early cancer detection methods in canines, with many of the saliva samples collected at North Shelby County Animal Hospital by their dedicated veterinarians and staff.

The team of these trained Medical Scent Detection Dogs exhibited an astounding ability to accurately distinguish between saliva samples from cancer patients and those from healthy control dogs. This promising development opens doors to an affordable and noninvasive method for early cancer detection in dogs, with the potential to enhance treatment outcomes significantly.

Early cancer detection is often the key to effective treatment and improved outcomes for patients. In this remarkable journey towards more effective cancer detection in dogs, these six canine heroes, including Margaux, are pioneers in a field that holds great promise for veterinary medicine. 

All of us here at North Shelby County Animal Hospital are proud to have contributed to this study. If you have questions or would like more information about the study and its findings, feel free to contact us at (205) 620-3636. 

Check out the pups in action: