How Stressful Is Maternity? Study about Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone-Sulfate Coat and Claws Concentrations in Female Dogs from Mating to 60 Days Post-Partum

摘要

Canine pregnancy and post-partum (total duration around 120 days) is a very intense period and could be a trigger for the activation of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis in female dogs, given the higher allostatic load. To evaluate this activation, the concentrations of Cortisol (C) and Dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), final products of the HPA axis, were detected in the coat and claws of 15 Dobermann Pinscher female dogs, with monthly collections from mating until the end of weaning. The C concentrations, both in the coat and claws, showed a significant trend of increase from mating until 60 days post-partum. In both matrices, the DHEA-S changes were not significant. Maternal parity and litter size did not play a significant influence on the concentrations of C and DHEA-S in both matrices. The results of the present study seem to depict maternity as a main activator of the HPA axis that, in turn, leads to the secretion of C. This is probably due to the increased allostatic load for the mothers, although it is not possible to discern the precise role of the multiple processes characterizing this period (uterine involution, lactation, nursing and grooming of the puppies).