SANTOS, R. G. D.; SANTOS, Rodrigo Gustavo Dantas dos.
Abstract:
Stress is a non-specific response of the body to any demand on this, in which the
individual responds with a stereotyped homeostatic response. Among the physiological
changes observed when there are stressful situations have: increased heart and
respiratory rate and blood pressure, hyperglycemia, and secretion of corticosteroids by
the adrenal. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stress in female dogs housed
in kennels for seven days, and determine i f this is enough time for them to adapt to a
new environment. Ten female dogs were used from Patos Association of Animal
Protection. To clinically evaluate the stress we developed a Composite Stress Score.
Blood samples were collected for determination of serum Cortisol and glycemia. We
measured heart and respiratory rate, rectal temperature and systolic, mean and diastolic
blood pressure. Statistical tests were considered significant when P <0.05. There was a
gradual decrease in serum Cortisol, however, statistically, only 132 and 156 hours after
the arrival of animals at the kennel the Cortisol differed significantly from baseline
values. The measurement of serum Cortisol proved to be an appropriate parameter to
assess stress during the period of adaptation. Six days were enough for the female dogs
to adapt to a new environment.