Abstract

KOSCINCZUK, P. Ambiente, adaptación y estrés. Rev. vet. [online]. 2014, vol.25, n.1, pp.67-76. ISSN 1669-6840.

Animal welfare and the survival of a particular species are threatened by environmental changes; for the reestablishment of homeostasis and adaptation, organisms put on collective stress responses. These responses are mediated by interconnected circuits of the frontal limbic system, hypothalamus and brain, where the final release of glucocorticoids guarantee energy supply through glucose mobilization, thus affecting brain reward and learning processes. Stress becomes detrimental when the animal is not able to neutralize the stressor, real or perceived. Consequences of over exposition to glucocorticoids are characterized by hyperglycemia, hypertension, recurrent infections and memory, as well as behavior modification. Determination of animal stressors can be complicated. While some stressors are easily recognized by human beings (extreme temperatures, lack of food, severe injuries), others are not (territory, social relationships, motivation, odors and sounds). On the other hand, habituation to humans at an early age could be indispensable to reach a good human-animal relationship, as human environment could be perceived as a stressor itself. In the particular case of domestic animals it is considered that habituation must begin as soon as possible to reach a good human animal relationship. People in daily contact with animals, such as veterinarians, are in the best position to recognize suffering and give advice to owners for the environmental modifications that may improve animal welfare for a particular species.

Keywords : Animals; Health; Welfare; Suffering; Cognition.

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