Hematologic and serum chemistry reference values for adult brown mink

Hematologic and serum chemistry reference values were determined for 160 12-month-old brown untamed captive mink (Mustela vision). Blood was obtained by jugular venipuncture after administration of ketamine and xylazine. There were no statistically significant differences between male and female mink. The packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and red blood cell count were 10 to 20% lower than previously reported for non-anesthesized mink. Serum glucose, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase values also were lower than previously reported values.