Salivary IgA: a Possible Stress Marker In Dogs
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
1995 |
Authors: |
Skandakumar, S. Stodulski, G., Hau, J. |
Publication/Journal: |
Animal Welfare |
Keywords: |
animal welfare, behavior, behaviour, cortisol, dog, salivary iga (s-iga), stress, well-being |
Abstract:
Stress in humans has been reported to be associated with a decrease in the salivary immunoglobulin A (s-IgA) levels enabling the possible use of s-IgA to assess stress. Prolonged stress, if reliably assessed in a non-invasive manner, may be used to assess animal welfare. This study analysed groups of dogs undergoing physical and temperamental training and s-IgA levels were measured by rocket immunoelectrophoresis in prospective samples. Behavioural assessment was carried out and cortisol levels in saliva were measured by ELISA. A significant negative correlation (P < 0.007) between the logarithmic cortisol concentrations and s-IgA levels in saliva was recorded. The behavioural assessment of the dogs agreed well with the biochemical markers. It is concluded that IgA levels in saliva may be a useful marker of dog well-being and that stress results in decreased s-IgA levels.