Perioperative stress response in dogs undergoing elective surgery: variations in behavioural, neuroendocrine, immune and acute phase responses.

The article focuses on a study which described the behavioural, neuroendocrine, immune and acute phase stress responses in dogs undergoing elective surgery in normal, clinical practice condition. Using a standardised surgical protocol, the dogs were submitted to elective orchiectomy or ovariohysterectomy. Results of the study indicated that perioperative stress represents a major challenge to dog welfare.