Abstract

Medical detection dogs provide a non-invasive early method of disease and medical alert detection that is underrepresented in the medical visualization sector. The domesticated dog, or Canis familiaris, is known for its loving nature and has become an important member of many households, but they are also incredibly intelligent with a capacity for specialized training. Dogs have a specialized olfactory system, allowing them to detect scents with high acuity (Guest & Otto, 20). Volatile organic compounds or VOCs are molecular substances associated with metabolic processes that are often a result or byproduct of certain diseases and can be influenced by age, genetics, environmental factors, etc. (Jendrny et al., 2021; Shirasu & Touhara, 2011). VOCs can be present in various different body fluids such as exhaled particulates, urine, body tissue, etc. (Maurer et al., 2016). With specialized training, dogs can identify and discriminate volatile organic compounds associated with certain degenerative, cancerous, and infectious diseases (Hall, Johnston, et al., 2021). Much like humans, dogs have different personalities and training capacities, which make certain breeds and individuals more suited to work as medical detection dogs (Hall, Johnston, et al., 2021). Moreover, different training methodologies and handler relationships have a significant impact on the dogs’ capacity to identify and communicate scent detection (Hall, Johnston, et al., 2021). The dog olfactory system sensitivity is understudied despite their relevance in non-invasive medical diagnosis, and the intersection of animal behavior and cognition can be utilized to increase efficacy of diagnosis and training (Hall, Johnston, et al., 2021). The creation and use of scientific animation and illustration can raise awareness and understanding among the public encouraging the further recruitment, training, and normalized use for working dogs in the biomedical detection sector.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Detector dogs--Interactive multimedia--Design; Volatile organic compounds--Identification

Publication Date

3-15-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Student Type

Graduate

Degree Name

Medical Illustration(MFA)

Department, Program, or Center

Medical Illustration

College

College of Health Sciences and Technology

Advisor

Craig Foster

Advisor/Committee Member

Cynthia Otto

Advisor/Committee Member

James Perkins

Campus

RIT – Main Campus

Plan Codes

ILLM-MFA

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