Elevated urinary cortisol in a timber wolf (Canis lupus): a result of social behaviour or adrenal pathology?

In a previously published report, a male timber wolf (Canis lupus) was identified as having significantly elevated urinary cortisol to creatinine ratios relative to other males in the pack. This second-ranking animal, whose social status was being challenged, was involved in far more aggressive interactions than any other pack member. The wolf died 3 years later from gastric and splenic torsion. Necropsy revealed a unilateral adrenal tumour …