How to Measure Cortisol
Measuring the cortisol levels in your dog can determine if she has certain hormonal conditions, such as Addison's disease or Cushing's disease. There are a variety of tests that your veterinarian can perform to measure the levels.
Instructions
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Collect a urine sample from your dog and bring it to your veterinarian. A urine cortisol/creatinine ratio can be performed to check the levels of cortisol in the urine. If this is abnormal, the doctor will likely want to run blood tests.
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Take your dog to the veterinarian, where blood can be drawn for a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test. This test will monitor the cortisol levels in the blood after dexamethasone is given. This test is typically performed when the doctor suspects that the cortisol levels are too high.
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Draw blood for an ACTH stimulation test if the doctor suspects that the cortisol levels are too low. In this test, the dog is given an injection of the ACTH hormone, and blood is taken to determine if the cortisol levels rise or remain the same.
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Tips & Warnings
It can be helpful for your veterinarian if you provide any symptoms you may being seeing in your dog. This can help the vet determine levels of cortisol. If your pet has thinning hair, an increase in appetite or abdominal enlargement, he could be cushinoid. Recurrent urinary tract infections and excessive panting are also indicative of Cushing's disease. If she is experiencing anorexia, lethargy, muscle weakness or vomiting, it may be from Addison's disease.
Urine samples provide the most accurate results if they are collected when the dog is not stressed. Therefore, if the dog has experienced any stressful situations, such as going to the groomer or visiting the veterinarian, it may be beneficial to wait and collect the sample another day.
Addison's disease is difficult to diagnose, and it may require additional tests to determine if your pet has this disease.
If your dog's cortisol levels are too low, he could experience what is called an Addisonian crisis, in which he suddenly collapses. Consult your veterinarian if this occurs.
