Effects of mushing activities on creatinine kinase, gastrin and oxytocin in sled dogs in Patagonia

LEGGIERI, LEONARDO; MAROZZI, ANTONELA; PANEBIANCO ANTONELLA; GREGORIO PABLO; CARMANCHAHI, PABLO

JOURNAL OF APPLIED ANIMAL WELFARE SCIENCE

ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD

Lugar: Londres; Año: 2018

1088-8705

A considerable increases of creatinine kinase (CK) activity and gastrin hormone due to exercise has been observed in sled dogs during endurance mushing races, however, there are no studies on sled dogs during recreational sleigh rides. Although oxytocin hormone is involved in social behaviors and empathy, it has not been studied in sled dogs. The aim of this study was to assess changes in plasma CK activity, gastrin and oxytocin concentrations in adult sled dogs used in touristic mushing in North Patagonia. Blood samples were collected before, during and after the winter season 2017. CK activity measurement was done using an enzymatic assay. Hormone analyses were performed using commercial ELISA kits. Results show a normal 2-fold increase of CK activity during the winter, recovering basal values after winter (