Hematologic and serum protein reference values of the Octodon degus

Area of Science:

• Comparative hematology
• Rodent physiology
• Biochemical reference ranges

Background:

• Degus (Octodon degus) are increasingly used in biomedical research.
• Establishing species-specific reference values is essential for accurate health assessments.
• Limited data exists on normal hematologic and serum protein parameters in degus.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine reference hematologic and serum protein values for degus.
• To evaluate potential sex-based differences in these parameters.
• To provide baseline data for future degu health studies.

Main Methods:

• Blood and serum samples were collected from normal degus aged 3 to 48 months.
• Hematologic parameters (erythrocytes, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, leukocytes) were analyzed.
• Serum total protein and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were determined.

Main Results:

• Reference values for erythrocytes, packed cell volume, hemoglobin, leukocytes, and total protein were established for male and female degus.
• Hematologic and serum protein values were similar between sexes.
• Values showed some similarities to those reported for guinea pigs and rats.

Conclusions:

• This study provides comprehensive reference ranges for key hematologic and serum protein values in degus.
• The data supports the use of degus in research by providing essential health benchmarks.
• Findings indicate minimal sex-based variation in these parameters for degus.