Topics in Medicine and SurgeryHow to Assess Stress in Reptiles
Section snippets
Stress Behavioral Measurement
Behavioral adaption is considered the optimal response by the animal to an external stressor. Avoiding a threat (i.e., derived from natural behavior of evading predators) is best and biologically requires the least effort to survive or avoid an unfavorable situation. When the individual is able to safely increase the distance from the stressor, the stress response does not usually affect the animal’s long-term welfare. However, if the reptile is not able to respond in an appropriate manner, the
Autonomous Nervous Measurement of Stress
Once an animal perceives a stimulus as a threat, its brain releases a neuroendocrine response that consists of acute and chronic phases. The acute phase is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, which is immediately activated, is short acting, and has a direct effect on most body tissues. Catecholamines are released from the adrenal medulla seconds after the perception of a triggering stimulus, and their catabolism is rapid. The magnitude of this response can be determined by measuring
Neuroendocrine Measurement of Stress
Because of the activation of the HPA axis, glucocorticoids are released into the blood stream. Glucocorticoids enhance their effects through the alteration of circulating levels of sex steroids and other hormones. The objective of a stress response is to maximize energy availability to body systems to face the physiologic challenge(s). Therefore, the stress response is a powerful inhibitor of nonessential systems that, although critical for long-term survival, are not essential for the
Hematological Measurement of Stress
The effect of the stress response on the immune system is complex; however, the response of the immune system during stress has typically been associated with the HPA axis response, as increased glucocorticoid levels in blood typically causes immune suppression and reduction of antibody production. These changes minimize the use of energy and favor immediate activity that may be used for survival. However, immune system suppression also increases disease occurrence in affected reptiles.
Conclusions
Reptiles are subjected to many of the same stressors encountered in higher vertebrates, and although it is common to think that reptiles are less likely to be negatively affected by these stressors, it is untrue. To minimize the likelihood of stress-causing negative physiologic effects on captive reptiles, it is important to understand the different clinical signs associated with stress and the methods for measuring stress in these animals. It is only through raising our awareness of these
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