Serum Biochemistry and Hematology in Blue Fox (Vulpes lagopus)

The blue fox (Vulpes lagopus) is a colour mutation of wild arctic fox. It is commonly farmed for its fur. The aim of the present study was to analyse a baseline biochemical profile of serum from adult farmed blue foxes during pelting season. Serum biochemical profile can be used later on as a reference in chemical analysis of blood serum. Biochemical profile here consists of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartatate aminotranasferase (ASAT), alkaline phospahatase (ALP), and total bilirubin (T-BIL); kidney function substances creatinine, urea and inorganic phosphate (Pi); muscle enzyme creatinine kinase (CK); glucose (GLUK) from pancreas; serum total proteins (PROT) and albumin (ALB); electrolytes potassium (K), natrium (Na), chloride (CL), calcium (S-Ca); and lipids such as total cholesterol (T-Cho). For some of the measured parameters reference values were also available from previous studies. Certain values were close to those previously published but some differed markedly. These differences can be explained by differences e.g. in techniques, conditions, unit reports, and breed and age of the animals. The present study additionally reviewed previously published haematological data concerning small blood count, i.e. hemoglobin, hematocrit, white blood cells and red blood cells. Summarized material revealed that these variables are very similar despite of study and animal material. Thus, small blood count can be reliably used to screen general welfare status of farmed blue foxes. The reference values presented in this paper will be valuable as a guide for clinical diagnosis and research.