HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMISTRY REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR RESCUED RED FOXES (VULPES VULPES)
Donatella Gelli1, Gabriele Gerardi1, Olimpia Lai2
1Department of Animal Medicine, Production and Health, University of Padova, 35020 Legnaro, Italy.
Summary
This study establishes the first reference intervals (RI) for hematology and serum chemistry in free-living red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Italy. These new clinical values aid veterinary care and environmental monitoring for this widespread species.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Wildlife Biology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are common in Europe and frequently treated in wildlife centers.
- Lack of established reference intervals (RI) hinders accurate health assessments in red foxes.
- Existing clinical data is often unsuitable for healthy, free-living animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine routine reference intervals (RI) for hematologic and biochemistry variables in adult red foxes.
- To provide a baseline for healthy clinical values in this species.
- To support veterinary diagnostics and wildlife health monitoring.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples collected from 32 adult red foxes (14 female, 18 male) post-rescue.
- Standard hematologic and biochemistry analyses performed.
- Reference intervals determined using parametric or robust statistical methods based on data distribution.
Main Results:
- Established novel reference intervals for numerous blood analytes in red foxes.
- Results showed similarities to other fox species but differed from historical clinical data.
- Male red foxes exhibited higher iron levels; other sex-based differences were not significant.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first comprehensive set of hematologic and serum chemistry reference intervals for free-living red foxes in Italy.
- The proposed RI are specific to red foxes recovering from veterinary treatment.
- These values are crucial for accurate veterinary diagnostics and effective environmental health monitoring.
