Abstract
BackgroundHigh 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionsParticipation in a long distance race was associated with a significant increase in serum gastrin, cortisol and CRP in sled dogs.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13028-016-0204-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
High incidences of gastritis and gastric ulceration are observed in sled dogs participating in endurance races
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of racing on the serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and C-reactive protein (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”
The main findings in this study were that dogs participating in this long distance race had an increase in serum concentration of gastrin, cortisol and CRP
Summary
High incidences of gastritis and gastric ulceration are observed in sled dogs participating in endurance races. It has been suggested that gastritis and gastric ulcers in sled dogs, independent of the severity, often are Fergestad et al Acta Vet Scand (2016) 58:24 asymptomatic, and that gastric lesions do not necessarily affect the performance of racing dogs [6]. In humans these conditions are related to pain and discomfort [7]. Their high prevalence in sled dogs has significant animal welfare implications This highlights the importance of understanding the pathophysiology and identifying the potential causes of exercise-related gastritis and gastric ulcers
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