Extended acclimatization is required to eliminate stress effects of periodic blood-sampling procedures on vasoactive hormones and blood volume in beagle dogs (2002)

Slaughter, M. R., Birmingham, J. M. et al.

Abstract

Important in all experimental animal studies is the need to control stress stimuli associated with environmental change and experimental procedures. As the stress response involves alterations in levels of vasoactive hormones, ensuing changes in cardiovascular parameters [plasma renin,epinephrine, norepinephrine, aldosterone, insulin] may confound experimental outcomes. .. Dogs [n=4] were removed from their pen to a laboratory area and blood was collected .. by venepuncture [on days 2, 15, 34, 41]. ..We conclude that an acclimatization period of at least 4 weeks is required to eliminate stress-related effects in dogs associated with periodic blood sampling.