K9 Medical Detection

K9 Medical Detection New Zealand is a charitable trust that has been set up to improve the health of all New Zealanders by using specially trained dogs to assist in the non-invasive detection of cancer and other diseases.

Many diseases and disease-causing agents give off (volatiles) odours. By training dogs to detect these specific odours, at-risk patients can be identified and treated at an early stage, minimising the spread of the disease and potentially giving patients improved outcomes. Read on to find out more about the ground-breaking work being done by the dedicated team (including the amazing dogs) involved in this fabulous initiative.

From K9 Medical Detection NZ …

K9 Medical Detection New Zealand Charitable Trust was created in 2018 by Pauline Blomfield. With over 40 years of working with dogs and the knowledge that a dog’s incredible sense of smell could be used as a non-invasive diagnostic tool in medicine, Pauline brought together a full scientific and clinical support team. Every aspect of K9 Medical Detection New Zealand is comprehensive and professional.

What We Do

K9 Medical Detection New Zealand is a registered Charitable Trust comprised of a dedicated team working to improve the health of all New Zealanders by using specially trained dogs working in a controlled clinical environment to assist in the detection of cancer and other diseases.

Cancers detected at an early stage are more likely to be treated successfully. Starting the treatment while the cancer is small and confined greatly improves the survival rate. While we have sophisticated laboratory diagnostic tests for many cancers, some cancers a) have no screening b) are difficult to detect and c) get diagnosed at a late stage.

Many diseases and disease-causing agents give off volatiles (odours).  An alternative to molecular and physical screening techniques is the use of medical detection dogs to identify these volatile organic compounds (VOC) released from tumours. By training dogs to detect these specific odours it is possible to minimise the spread of the disease and identify at-risk patients sooner. This enables earlier commencement of treatment, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

Professor Sarah Young, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Canterbury, is Academic Chair to a full clinical support team.

K9 Medical Detection New Zealand has a large training facility in Dunedin. Specifically designed scent detection equipment is used for their genetically selected working dogs. All training and testing is recorded into a specialised computer programme and analysed by Biostatistician Vanessa Cave. All training sessions are video recorded and each validation level is sent for peer review to an International canine scent detection expert in the United States.

K9 Medical Detection dogs are an additional valuable diagnostic tool in the growing battle against cancer and disease.

Our Dogs

The selection process of dogs for the K9 Medical Detection programme is rigorous and only the best dogs are eligible. Dogs must show enthusiasm and a willing desire to perform any task. This needs to be accompanied by a strong work ethic. Dogs are required to have an excellent temperament and be calm and confident in any environment and around people.

Dogs in the K9MD programme are not breed-specific. Their ability to work combined with temperament determines their suitability. To ensure the availability of suitable dogs we have a puppy development programme where genetically selected puppies are raised and socialised in preparation for their scent detection training. The health and welfare of all K9MD dogs are of paramount importance and accordingly undergo regular health checks.

K9 Medical Detection dogs enjoy the perfect work/life balance. K9MD dogs love going to work. It’s a happy place! Throughout their training and medical detection work, they enjoy a variety of enrichment experiences. Runs on the beach, on the farm, interacting with the general public. K9 Medical Detection dogs live with either the trainer or K9 Medical Detection personnel and enjoy family life when not working. They are not left in kennels.

To read more you can visit the K9 Medical Detection NZ website here.

If you would like to make a donation to support their amazing work click here.