Serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and C-reactive protein in a group of Norwegian sled dogs during training and after endurance racing: a prospective cohort study.
BACKGROUND
High incidences of gastritis and gastric ulceration are observed in sled dogs participating in endurance races. Exercise-induced increases in hormones like gastrin and cortisol have been suggested as possible contributing factors. An increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) has also been observed in canines during physical exercise. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of long distance racing on the serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and CRP in a group of sled dogs, by comparing the results achieved early in the training season and after participating in a long distance race; "Femundløpet". Dogs that only trained to the race, but did not compete in the race, were used as control dogs. Sixty-five sled dogs participated in the study; 46 competing dogs (25 completing and 21 non-completing the race) and 19 non-racing dogs (control dogs). The blood samples were collected in October 2012 and February 2013.


RESULTS
The post-race serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and CRP was significantly elevated in sled dogs participating in the race (both completing and non-completing dogs) when compared to the results from training. However, no significant differences were observed between the two sampling dates in the control dogs. Post-race results for completing and non-completing dogs were also compared. This demonstrated a significant elevation in gastrin in non-completing versus completing dogs, and a significant elevation in cortisol in completing compared to non-completing dogs.


CONCLUSIONS
Participation in a long distance race was associated with a significant increase in serum gastrin, cortisol and CRP in sled dogs.
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.|Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
Marte Ekeland
ME
Fergestad
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway. tuva.holt.jahr@nmbu.no.
Tuva Holt
TH
Jahr
Department for Pharmacoeconomics, Norwegian Medicines Agency, PO Box 63, Kalbakken, 0901, Oslo, Norway.
Randi I
RI
Krontveit
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, PO Box 8146 Dep, 0033, Oslo, Norway.
Ellen
E
Skancke
D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005755:Gastrins / Q000097:blood*; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal; D011446:Prospective Studies
D005755:Gastrins; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D006854:Hydrocortisone
C-reactive protein; Canine; Cortisol; Gastric ulceration; Gastrin; Gastritis; Long distance race; Sled dog