Evaluation of inner ear temperature as an alternative measure of stress in dogs

Martha E. Peacock
Dr. Jessica Colpoys, Faculty Mentor

Blood cortisol concentration is a common measure of stress in dogs; however, blood collection can increase stress in dogs and does not provide immediate feedback. Previous research on cats has shown that cortisol concentration relates to the inner ear temperature and may be an alternative indicator of stress in cats. However, no studies have evaluated this in dogs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate if inner ear temperature relates to cortisol concentration in dogs. Dog age, weight and inner ear temperature were collected before a mock physical exam and inner ear temperature and serum cortisol concentration was measured after the mock physical exam in 72 dogs. Inner ear temperature did not correlate with cortisol concentration; however, cortisol concentration positively correlated with dog age and negatively correlated with dog body weight. Therefore, inner ear temperature was not a good measure of stress in dogs.

Keywords: Dog, Inner ear temperature, Stress

Topic(s):Agricultural Science

Presentation Type: Poster

Session: 2-
Location: GEO - SUB
Time: 

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