Determination of serum cortisol levels as a stress marker in hospitalized dogs

In veterinary medicine, various diseases and surgical procedures may require the isolation and hospitalization of dogs, allowing for more effective individual patient monitoring and increasing the chance of successful treatment by preventing unnecessary drug use. However, this process can be stressful. Our study aimed to determine the changes in cortisol levels, one of the primary stress hormones responsible for stress responses, in individually hospitalized dogs. In addition, epinephrine (EPN) levels, another stress marker, as well as hematological and some biochemical values were measured and vital signs were recorded. The dogs included in the study were divided into 3 groups: healthy, hospitalized, and those receiving daily outpatient treatment, and were monitored over a 3-day period. There was a statistically significant difference in cortisol concentrations between the groups on day 1 (p < 0.001). Dogs receiving outpatient treatment and healthy dogs had lower cortisol levels compared to hospitalized dogs. On day 2, a statistically significant difference was also observed between the hospitalized and outpatient groups (p < 0.05). However, on day 3, there was no statistically significant difference in cortisol levels between the hospitalized and outpatient groups. Repeated measurements showed that cortisol levels in hospitalized dogs on days 2 and 3 were significantly lower than those on day 1 (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters within groups across repeated measurements or between groups, and no statistically significant difference was detected in EPN levels either. In conclusion, cortisol levels were found to decrease gradually in repeated measurements, suggesting that dogs may manage stress more effectively over time by becoming familiar with the veterinarian, the procedures performed, or the clinical and hospital environment. Monitoring cortisol levels in veterinary practice and animal welfare may contribute to improving canine health and stress management, and further research is warranted in this area.