Steroid hormone concentration profiles in healthy intact and neutered dogs before and after cosyntropin administration

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine steroid hormone concentration profiles in healthy intact and neutered male and female dogs. Seventeen intact female dogs, 20 intact male dogs, 30 spayed female dogs, and 30 castrated male dogs were used in this study. Serum samples were collected before and 1 h after cosyntropin administration, and serum concentrations were determined for cortisol, progesterone, 17-OH progesterone (17-OHP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol. Intact male dogs had greater concentrations of DHEAS, androstenedione, and testosterone. Intact female dogs had greater concentrations of progesterone. There was no significant difference in estradiol concentration among the four groups. Intact male dogs had lower concentrations of cortisol post-stimulation. DHEAS and testosterone did not increase in response to ACTH in intact males, and estradiol concentrations did not increase in response to ACTH in any group. Results from this study will enhance interpretation of suspected adrenal and/or gonadal disorders of dogs. Because estradiol concentrations were similar in all groups of dogs, measuring estradiol may not be a useful diagnostic test. Cortisol concentrations for intact male dogs with hyperadrenocorticism may be lower than those of female or neutered dogs.