Estudo dos níveis iônicos e hemogasométricos de cutias (Dasyprocta prymnolopha Wagler, 1831) hígidas criadas em cativeiro no Semiárido Nordestino.

Abstract

The agouti (Dasyprocta prymnolopha, WAGLER 1831) is a rodent that, in addition to having an ecological role, has been studied as a potential alternate source of meat for rural populations. However, little is known about its physiological markers, particularly about plasmatic gases and ions, which serve as indicators of the acid-base and electrolytic status. This study aims to elucidate hemogasometric and ionic venous parameters for agoutis raised in captivity in Brazil’s semi-arid region. Eight healthy female adult animals were used. Blood samples were withdrawn in 1ml heparinized syringes and analyzed with a hemogasometer (AGS 22, Drake) for blood gas analysis. Ions were measured through specific electrodes after plasma separation. Blood gases and bicarbonate values were heterogeneous and generally lower than those described for other mammals. Potassium levels were also lower than previously described for laboratory rodents, while chloride levels were higher. Base excess and anion gap values showed great individual variation. Finally, the great variation found among various authors reaffirm the need for more data for comparison purposes, and for each laboratory to establish its own reference range values, as a form of homogenizing analytic and pre-analytic variables.