Evaluation of adrenal cortex function in pre-ruminant fattening calves treated with dexamethasone
Cagnasso, A.; Dotta, U.; Aria, G.; Monti, F.; Prato, S.
Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 129(8): 429-435
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-7281 PMID: 3659883 Document Number: 295564
Since dexamethasone is commonly used to promote growth in calves, the possibility that it might interfere with adrenal cortical function, and hence with the response of the animal to stress, needs to be considered. The response of ten calves to ACTH stimulation was assessed, both by measurement of the plasma cortisol, and by a count of circulating eosinophils (the Thorn test). When eight of these calves received two injections of dexamethasone, depression of the response to ACTH stimulation was apparent by both techniques.