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Kähler E, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Zablotski Y, Schroers M. Salivary cortisol measurements in brachycephalic dog breeds as part of a standardized stress test. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1351225. [PMID: 39144074 PMCID: PMC11322112 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1351225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is a common condition in brachycephalic dogs, with Pugs (PG) and French Bulldogs (FB) appearing to be particularly typically affected. Objective and easy-to-perform tests are necessary to detect the disease at an early stage and to exclude dogs affected by BOAS from breeding. Methods The present study investigated the extent to which vital signs and salivary cortisol concentrations can be used to distinguish between healthy and BOAS-affected dogs in a standardized fitness test. A total of 57 PG, 56 FB and 27 meso- and dolichocephalic dogs were studied as control group (CG). In addition to vital signs, salivary cortisol concentrations were measured before and after the exercise test. Results It emerged that non-brachycephalic dogs showed a higher fitness level than brachycephalic dogs. The PG recovered significantly slower than the FB after the exercise test. In unaffected PG, cortisol levels rose significantly after the test and then fell again, in unaffected FB they fell significantly during the test. Unexpectedly, cortisol levels remained constant in BOAS affected dogs of both breeds. Discussion A possible explanation could be a disturbance of the pituitary-hypothalamic-adrenal axis, which could be due to the chronic stress of affected animals. This would have to be clarified in further studies. In conclusion, a submaximal fitness test may be a useful method to identify dogs suffering from BOAS as it is imperative to prevent the breeding and reproduction of affected dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maike Schroers
- Veterinary Faculty, Clinic of Small Animal Surgery and Reproduction, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
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Keller A, Conradi J, Weber C, Failing K, Wergin M. Efficacy of Nx4 to Reduce Plasma Cortisol and Gastrin Levels in Norwegian Sled Dogs During an Exercise Induced Stress Response: A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Cohort Study. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:741459. [PMID: 34765666 PMCID: PMC8576320 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.741459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: An exercise induced stress response is commonly seen in high performance sled dogs, resulting in increased plasma cortisol. A stress induced rise of cortisol might result in increased prevalence of gastritis and gastric ulcers mediated by an increase of gastrin. Neurexan® (Nx4) is a medicinal product used for stress relief by reduction of cortisol. The aim of the study was to show that Nx4 reduces plasma cortisol and plasma gastrin in high performance sled dogs and to show tolerability of Nx4 in dogs. Material and Methods: First, a pilot study was done to validate the increase of cortisol by performance. The data from the pilot study was used for sample size estimation via an adapted power analysis as well as the identification of important variables. These were then used in the randomization procedure of the main study. Second, a prospective randomized, double blinded, placebo-controlled cohort study was conducted. The main study included 45 sled dogs, assigning 23 dogs to the Nx4 group, and 22 dogs to the placebo group, to analyze plasma cortisol and plasma gastrin at four time points: before, directly after and 30 and 120 min after performance. Results: For the main target variable, area under the curve (AUC) of plasma cortisol, a significantly lower adjusted mean value in the Nx4 group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.031) was found. Plasma gastrin was also significantly reduced in the Nx4 group 30 min after performance (p = 0.023), resulting in a significantly reduced plasma gastrin AUC in the Nx4 group compared to the placebo group (p = 0.049). Discussion: Within the limitation of the study, the results carry implications for the usefulness of Nx4 to reduce exercise induced plasma cortisol and gastrin levels. The reduction of the exercise induced stress response could help to improve the welfare of high-performance sled dogs. Since activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis resulting in increased cortisol is similar for exercise induced stress and psychologic stress, the same might be true independent of the stressor, making Nx4 potentially useful in any stressful situation for dogs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Klaus Failing
- Unit for Biomathematics and Data Processing of the Veterinary Faculty, University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Harvie H, Rodrigo A, Briggs C, Thiessen S, Kelly DM. Does stress run through the leash? An examination of stress transmission between owners and dogs during a walk. Anim Cogn 2021; 24:239-250. [PMID: 33392915 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-020-01460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Humans and dogs have co-evolved for over 10,000 years. Recent research suggests that, through the domestication process, dogs have become proficient at responding to human commands, attention and emotional states. However, the extent to which a companion dog responds to human emotions, such as stress, remains to be understood. This study examines whether a companion dog's stress, as measured by cortisol levels and heart rate, increases during a familiar outdoor walk in response to its owner's experience of stress. Sixty-eight owner/dog dyads participated in this study. The dyads were randomly assigned to an Experimental or Control group. Owners in the Experimental group were informed the walk would be digitally recorded for subsequent evaluation of their handling skills, whereas those in the Control group were informed the walk would be digitally recorded for archival purposes (no evaluation). This manipulation was implemented to induce a mild stress response in the owners. Salivary cortisol samples were collected from the owner and their dog before and after the walk. The dyad was also fitted with monitoring devices to record heart rate throughout the walk. Finally, personality information regarding the owner and their dog was collected. We found that cortisol production within the dyad showed a marginal inverse correlation. We also found that owners' Openness to Experience and dogs' Fearfulness influenced the heart rate of the other during the first minute of a walk. These results support that although stress may be detected within a dyad, this does not result in an associated significant change in cortisol or heart rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Harvie
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Alejandro Rodrigo
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Candace Briggs
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Shane Thiessen
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Debbie M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Manitoba, 190 Dysart Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R3T 2N2, Canada.
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Jahr TH, Fergestad ME, Brynildsrud O, Brun-Hansen H, Skancke E. Haematological and serum biochemical values in Norwegian sled dogs before and after competing in a 600 km race. Acta Vet Scand 2019; 61:20. [PMID: 31023353 PMCID: PMC6485113 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-019-0453-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-distance racing is known to cause alterations in haematological and serum biochemical parameters in sled dogs. Given that finishing status reflects the physical condition in dogs completing a race, such variations will mainly be the result of physiological adaption achieved during endurance exercise. However, changes observed in withdrawn dogs may indicate pathological conditions. The aim of this study was to reveal changes in haematological and serum biochemical values in sled dogs participating in a long-distance race, with emphasis on the withdrawn dogs. Sixty-five sled dogs participated in a clinical prospective cohort study: 46 dogs competed in the 600 km race (25 finishing and 21 withdrawn dogs), and 19 dogs served as controls. Blood sampling was performed early in the training season and after the race. Results When compared to control dogs, both withdrawn and finishing dogs showed significant increases in neutrophil count, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen and sodium/potassium ratio. Significant decreases were found in erythrocytes and eosinophil cell count, and in haematocrit, haemoglobin, total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, potassium and calcium levels. Finishing dogs presented significant increases in white blood cells, large unstained cells, monocyte count and cortisol level compared to control dogs. In contrast, withdrawn dogs had significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activity, as well as parameters associated with muscle metabolism, such as aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase and phosphorus concentration. Conclusions Competing sled dogs experienced minor changes in blood parameters in general, mainly revealing the same pattern among withdrawals and finishers. This might indicate that numerous changes simply reflect physiological adaption due to endurance exercise. However, the serum concentration of muscle enzymes was significantly increased only in the withdrawals, and were well above reference ranges. This reflects muscle degradation, which could be the main cause of performance failure in some of the withdrawals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13028-019-0453-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Lefman SH, Prittie JE. Psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients: Causation, implications, and therapies. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2019; 29:107-120. [PMID: 30861632 DOI: 10.1111/vec.12821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review the sources, adverse effects, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychogenic stress in hospitalized human and veterinary patients. DATA SOURCES Data were collected by searching PubMed for veterinary and human literature from the past 10 years. HUMAN DATA SYNTHESIS Psychogenic stress has been linked to immune suppression; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and cutaneous diseases; delayed wound healing; alterations in pain perception; and neurologic impairment. Sources of psychogenic stress include environmental alterations such as excessive noise and light, social and physical factors, sleep disruption, drugs, and underlying disease. Nonpharmacologic options for stress reduction include environmental and treatment modifications, music therapy, and early mobilization. Pharmacologic options include sedation with benzodiazepines and dexmedetomidine. Trazodone and melatonin have been examined for use in sleep promotion but are not currently recommended as standard treatments in ICU. VETERINARY DATA SYNTHESIS Activation of the stress response in veterinary patients is largely the same as in people, as are the affected body systems. Possible sources of stress can include social, physical, and environmental factors. No gold standard currently exists for the identification and quantification of stress. A combination of physical examination findings and the results of serum biochemistry, CBC, and biomarker testing can be used to support the diagnosis. Stress scales can be implemented to identify stressed patients and assess severity. Nonpharmacologic treatment options include low-stress handling, pheromones, environmental modifications, and sleep promotion. Pharmacologic options include trazodone, benzodiazepines, dexmedetomidine, and melatonin. CONCLUSION The prevalence and clinical significance of psychogenic stress in hospitalized veterinary patients is unknown. Future studies are needed to specifically examine the causative factors of psychogenic stress and the effects of various therapies on stress reduction. The recognition and reduction of psychogenic stress in veterinary patients can lead to improvements in patient care and welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara H Lefman
- Emergency and Critical Care, The Animal Medical Center, New York, NY
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Dzhelebov P, Gundasheva D, Andonova M, Slavov E. Changes in serum cortisol and some innate immunity parameters after exhaustive exercise in male dogs. BULGARIAN JOURNAL OF VETERINARY MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.15547/bjvm.2113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of exhaustive exercise on some innate immunity parameters and cortisol levels. Twelve male, mongrel dogs were divided into an experimental group, submitted to prolonged, strenuous exercise with exhaustion as the end-point, and a control group without any exposure to exercise. Serum cortisol levels were measured before exercise (BE), right after (0 h) and on 2nd hour and 4th hour after exercise. The neutrophil function (phagocytosis, phagocytic index, hydrogen peroxide production-H2O2) and classical pathway of complement activation (CPCA) were measured as followеd: BE, right after exercise and on 2, 4, 24, 48, 72 h, and 7, 14 day after exercise. In experimental animals cortisol decreased on hour 4 after exercise (P<0.05), compared to BE level, and on hour 2, compared to controls (P<0.05). Percentage of H2O2 producing neutrophils in experimental animals dropped significantly on hour 4 and day 7 after exercise (P<0.05), compared to BE level and on hour 4 (P<0.01) vs control group. Percentage of phago-cytising neutrophils decreased slightly on hour 48 (P<0.05), compared to BE level. Phagocytic index and CPCA had an insignificant increase after exercise. Inappropriate changes in cortisol levels could indicate inadequate adaptive response to exercise. Overtraining could make animals more susceptible to infection.
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Effects of dietary supplementation with krill meal on serum pro-inflammatory markers after the Iditarod sled dog race. Res Vet Sci 2018; 121:18-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Revised: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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Leggieri LR, Marozzi A, Panebianco A, Gregorio P, Carmanchahi P. Effects of Short-Distance Recreational Mushing on Oxytocin, Gastrin, and Creatinine Kinase in Sled Dogs. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2018; 22:320-328. [PMID: 30058379 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2018.1500287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
A considerable increase in creatinine kinase (CK) activity and gastrin hormone due to exercise has been observed in sled dogs during endurance mushing races; however, there have been no studies on sled dogs during recreational mushing. Although oxytocin hormone is involved in social behaviors and empathy, it has not been studied in sled dogs. This study aimed to assess changes in plasma CK activity, and gastrin and oxytocin concentrations in adult sled dogs used in touristic mushing in North Patagonia, Argentina. Blood samples were collected before, during, and after the winter season of 2017. Creatinine kinase activity measurement was done using an enzymatic assay. Hormone analyses were performed using commercial Enzyme-Linked InmunoSorbent Assay kits. Results showed an expected two-fold increase in CK activity during the winter, with recovering basal values after winter (< 400 UI/L), low and stable levels of gastrin (9.4 ± 8.8 pg/mL), and a slight increase in oxytocin (23%) after mushing activities. No evidence indicated gastrin alterations or muscular damage from touristic mushing, but an oxytocin increase would indicate a stimulation of the brain reward system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Ramón Leggieri
- Wildlife Ecophysiology Research Group, INIBIOMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - AUSMA - National University of Comahue , San Martín de los Andes , Neuquén , Argentina
| | - Antonela Marozzi
- Wildlife Ecophysiology Research Group, INIBIOMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - AUSMA - National University of Comahue , San Martín de los Andes , Neuquén , Argentina
| | - Antonella Panebianco
- Wildlife Ecophysiology Research Group, INIBIOMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - AUSMA - National University of Comahue , San Martín de los Andes , Neuquén , Argentina
| | - Pablo Gregorio
- Wildlife Ecophysiology Research Group, INIBIOMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - AUSMA - National University of Comahue , San Martín de los Andes , Neuquén , Argentina
| | - Pablo Carmanchahi
- Wildlife Ecophysiology Research Group, INIBIOMA - National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET) - AUSMA - National University of Comahue , San Martín de los Andes , Neuquén , Argentina
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Colussi A, Stefanon B, Adorini C, Sandri M. Variations of salivary cortisol in dogs exposed to different cognitive and physical activities. ITALIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/1828051x.2018.1453756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Colussi
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali – DI4A, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Bruno Stefanon
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali – DI4A, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
| | - Chiara Adorini
- DVM, Ambulatorio Veterinario ‘Chiara Adorini’, Udine, Italy
| | - Misa Sandri
- Dipartimento di Scienze AgroAlimentari, Ambientali e Animali – DI4A, University of Udine, Udine, Italy
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Heilmann RM, Berghoff N, Grützner N, Parnell NK, Suchodolski JS, Steiner JM. Effect of gastric acid-suppressive therapy and biological variation of serum gastrin concentrations in dogs with chronic enteropathies. BMC Vet Res 2017; 13:321. [PMID: 29115998 PMCID: PMC5688819 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1233-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 10/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum gastrin concentration can help diagnose gastrinomas in dogs if >3-10× the upper reference limit (URL), but antisecretory therapy and other conditions can also cause hypergastrinemia. Effects of antisecretory therapy (famotidine or ranitidine, omeprazole) on serum gastrin concentration in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) and its biological variation (BV) are unknown. Aim of the study was to evaluate serum gastrin in acid-suppressant-treated or -naïve CE dogs; test the association between serum gastrin and histopathologic findings in acid-suppressant-naïve CE dogs; and evaluate the BV of serum gastrin in dogs not receiving any gastric acid suppressive therapy. Samples from 231 dogs were used and serum gastrin was measured by chemiluminescence assay. Gastric and duodenal histologic lesions were evaluated and graded. BV of serum gastrin was evaluated in serial samples. RESULTS Serum gastrin concentrations were significantly higher in acid-suppressant-treated than acid-suppressant-naïve dogs (P = 0.0245), with significantly higher concentrations in proton pump inhibitor (PPI)- than H2-antihistamine-treated patients (P = 0.0053). More PPI- than H2-antihistamine-treated dogs had gastrin concentrations above URL (P = 0.0205), but not >3× nor >10× the URL. Serum gastrin concentrations correlated with the severity of gastric antral epithelial injury (P = 0.0069) but not with any other lesions or the presence/numbers of spiral bacteria in gastric biopsies. Intra- and inter-individual BV were 43.4 and 21.6%, respectively, in acid-suppressant-naïve dogs, with a reciprocal individuality index of 0.49 and a critical difference of ≥29.5 ng/L. CONCLUSIONS Antisecretory (particularly PPI) treatment leads to hypergastrinemia in CE dogs, but the concentrations seen in this study are unlikely to compromise a diagnosis of gastrinoma. Use of a population-based URL for canine serum gastrin and a URL of ≤27.8 ng/L are appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy M. Heilmann
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, DE Germany
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
| | - Nora Berghoff
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, 784 Wilson Rd, East Lansing, MI 48824 USA
| | - Niels Grützner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
- Farm Animal Clinic, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, CH, 3012 Bern, BE Switzerland
| | - Nolie K. Parnell
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, An den Tierkliniken 23, 04103 Leipzig, DE Germany
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
| | - Jörg M. Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Texas A&M University, TAMU 4474, College Station, TX 77843-4474 USA
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