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Cortisol Measurement in Koala Phascolarctos cinereus Fur
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Elevated cortisol content in dog hair with atopic dermatitis
The Japanese Journal of Veterinary Research
|August 11, 2016
Summary
Hair cortisol analysis offers a new way to measure chronic stress in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis (CAD). Elevated hair cortisol levels correlate with CAD severity, suggesting it
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Dermatology
- Animal Endocrinology
- Stress Biomarkers
Background:
- Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is a prevalent chronic skin condition affecting 10% of dogs.
- While pathophysiological mechanisms are studied, the impact of CAD on canine quality of life and chronic stress remains under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hair cortisol concentration as a biomarker for chronic stress in dogs with CAD.
- To correlate hair cortisol levels with the severity of CAD and skin barrier dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of hair cortisol levels between dogs with CAD and healthy controls using ELISA.
- Assessment of CAD severity using modified CADESI-03 scores.
- Evaluation of skin barrier function via transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum conductance.
Main Results:
- Dogs with CAD exhibited significantly higher hair cortisol concentrations than healthy controls.
- A significant positive correlation was found between hair cortisol levels and CADESI scores.
- Increased TEWL was observed in the affected skin areas of dogs with CAD.
Conclusions:
- Hair cortisol analysis is a validated, objective biomarker for assessing long-term stress in canine atopic dermatitis.
- This method can aid in monitoring the chronic stress associated with CAD.
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