Reference values for chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) blood cells and serum biochemical parameters

Raising chinchilla (Chinchilla laniger) for commercial purpose has increased significantly; however, hematological and serum biochemical reference values have not yet been determined for chinchillas raised in south Brazil. Establishing blood cells and serum biochemistry reference values might be helpful to evaluate health status of chinchillas and might be used as a tool by clinicians. The purpose of this study was to determine the reference values for blood cells and serum biochemistry of Chinchilla laniger. Blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture from 16 adult males, at the time they were killed to remove the fur coat, and from 8 adult males anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine. Blood cell counts and serum biochemistry analysis were performed using standard techniques and the results were expressed as mean ± SEM. Analysis of blood parameters from post-mortem cardiac punctured and from anesthetized chinchillas indicated that blood samples from anesthetized chinchillas had higher PCV, Hemoglobin, MCHC and WBC (P < .05); in contrast, had lower levels of monocytes, basophils and eosinophils (P < .05). Serum biochemical parameters were less affected by sampling method: anesthetized chinchillas had lower levels of urea, glucose and triglycerids (P < .05). The data obtained might be useful as a parameter to monitor the health status of chinchillas raised in south Brazil.