Effects of alprazolam on capture stress-related serum cortisol responses in Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis)

J Vet Sci. 2011 Mar;12(1):103-5. doi: 10.4142/jvs.2011.12.1.103.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of alprazolam on the stress that Korean raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis) may experience while caught in a live trap by measuring their serum cortisol response. The animals were placed in a live trap with or without being pretreated with oral doses of alprazolam. In both groups, pre-trap blood samples were initially collected without anesthesia before the animals were positioned in the live trap; then post-trap blood samples were collected after the animals had remained in the live trap for 2 h. Changes in cortisol levels were observed using a chemiluminescent immunoassay. The level of cortisol increased in the control group and decreased in the alprazolam-pretreatment group (p < 0.05). In this study, we demonstrated that alprazolam pretreatment reduced stress during live trap capture.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alprazolam / therapeutic use*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Anxiety Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Anxiety / drug therapy*
  • Hydrocortisone / blood*
  • Raccoon Dogs*
  • Republic of Korea
  • Restraint, Physical / veterinary*

Substances

  • Anti-Anxiety Agents
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Alprazolam