Hematology and serum biochemistry reference intervals for the common opossum Didelphis marsupialis.

IF 1.8 3区农林科学 Q2 VETERINARY SCIENCES

Veterinary Research Communications Pub Date : 2025-03-01 DOI:10.1007/s11259-025-10684-1

Claudia P Ceballos, Estefanía Aristizábal-Parra, Viviana E Castillo-Vanegas

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

The common opossum, Didelphis marsupialis, is a neotropical and synanthropic marsupial common and widespread in Latin America. The strong human-opossum conflict that results in high numbers of individuals with health problems demands information on physiological parameters to be used in veterinary medicine practice. The aim of this study was to estimate the reference intervals (RI) of hematology and serum biochemistry for this species which are lacking and evaluate its variability. Out of the 61 apparently healthy wild opossums evaluated, we found significant variability in the RI´s associated sex, life stage, habitat, and the reproductive stage of females. Males had higher values of RBC and hemoglobin than females, but females had higher values of MCH than males. Juveniles had higher values of MCV and MCH, but adults had higher values RBC, WBC and neutrophils. In addition, rural opossums had higher values of hemoglobin, MCHC, MCH and platelets, but urban opossums had higher values of WBC, particularly neutrophils and lymphocytes. Opossums are exposed to many different stressors in urban settings, and further research is needed to understand these physiological responses to urbanization. Finally, lactating females had higher values of monocytes and basophils compared to non-lactating females, potentially providing passive immunity through the milk to the immature neonates in the marsupium.

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普通负鼠（Didelphis marsupialis）的血液学和血清生化学参考区间。

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来源期刊

Veterinary Research Communications 农林科学-兽医学

CiteScore

2.50

自引率

0.00%

发文量

173

审稿时长

3 months

期刊介绍： Veterinary Research Communications publishes fully refereed research articles and topical reviews on all aspects of the veterinary sciences. Interdisciplinary articles are particularly encouraged, as are well argued reviews, even if they are somewhat controversial. The journal is an appropriate medium in which to publish new methods, newly described diseases and new pathological findings, as these are applied to animals. The material should be of international rather than local interest. As it deliberately seeks a wide coverage, Veterinary Research Communications provides its readers with a means of keeping abreast of current developments in the entire field of veterinary science.