Blood plasma chemistries from wild mourning doves held in captivity

Despite the extensive amount of research conducted on mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), no biochemical reference values exist for this species. Our objective, therefore, was to establish base line clinical chemistry reference values for mourning doves to assist with establishing clinical diagnoses. Wild mourning doves were captured 19 March 1996 to 8 August 1996, and 6 February 1998 to 12 May 1998; blood samples were collected from 382 mourning doves. Plasma biochemical values were established for glucose, sodium, potassium, chloride, enzymatic CO2, albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, magnesium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and uric acid. These reference values are invaluable for determining diagnosis of diseases of the gastrointestinal, hepatic, renal, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine systems.