Salivary cortisol in healthy dogs: a randomized cross-over study to evaluate different saliva stimulation methods and their effects on saliva volume and cortisol concentration

Abstract Background Salivary cortisol collected at home is a useful test to diagnose and monitor Cushing’s syndrome in humans. The main problem dogs retrieve sufficient amount of saliva. aim this study was evaluate different salivary collection methods compare their effects on volume, pH concentration Sixteen healthy Beagles were used 4 × randomized crossover with washout period 1 week between each the following methods: 1. Salimetrics® cotton swab dipped ginger powder (ginger group); 2. beef-flavored (bouillon 3. Salivette® an enclosed treat (treat 4. plain (control group). First, baseline saliva (plain swab, S0) and, 2 min later, experimental (according group allocation above, SExp) collected. Saliva gathered by holding swabs animal’s mouth for min. After cross-over study, another sample from all method, using 30 s sampling time (30s-ginger method). Cortisol concentrations measured liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Results All three stimulation increased production significantly (S0 compared SExp: p = 0.0005; bouillon 0.009; 0.007). Only stimulation, however, generated higher (SExp) control ( 0.00001; median (range) 1200 ul (600–1700), 650 (200–1900), 700 (300–1000), 400 (0–1100)). retrieved 30s-ginger method still than that 0.0004). Bouillon led decreased values (bouillon, 0.0028; treat, 0.0018). Excitement 0.01). Chewing intensified (ginger, 0.003; 0.0009). SExp S0 0.02, 0.003). not groups. Conclusions could prove evaluating or monitoring syndrome, as owner seems feasible.