An effective venipuncture technique and normal serum biochemistry parameters of the captive fat-tailed jird...

Thirty-nine captively reared fat-tailed jirds (Pachyuromys duprasi) were enrolled in a minimally invasive study to determine an effective venipuncture technique and establish normal serum biochemistry parameters. A jugular venipuncture technique using chemical restraint (ketamine, 30 mg/kg; xylazine, 6 mg/kg; acepromazine, 1 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally was safe and consistently yielded at least 0.3 mL of blood. Of the biochemical indicators measured (glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine transferase, total bilirubin, amylase, BUN, creatinine, calcium, phosphorous, sodium and potassium), amylase and glucose levels differed significantly between male and female fat-tailed jirds.