COMPARISON OF CORTISOL CONCENTRATIONS IN SALIVA AND PLASMA OF DOGS

It is increasingly important to have simple, noninvasive indicators of stress in animals. Studies in various species have shown that concent rations of cortisol in saliva relate closely to plasma levels of the f ree hormone; the aim of the present procedure was to show a similar co rrelation in the dog. Baseline blood and saliva samples were collected concurrently from six male beagles. Synthetic adrenocorticotrophic ho rmone was given and further samples were collected at 0.25, 0.5, one, two and 2.5 hours later. The results indicated a statistically signifi cant correlation between the levels of cortisol in blood and saliva. C oncentrations in saliva were between 5 and 10 per cent of those in pla sma at each collection time. To demonstrate a response to a more natur al stimulus, saliva samples were taken from a dog during exposure to a known stressor for that individual. The results showed a marked, dela yed increase from baseline which was maintained for at least 0.5 hours after stressing.