Venous blood gases and electrolyte parameters in healthy giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from the Brazilian Cerrado

Venous blood gas analysis provides essential information on acid–base balance, ventilation, and oxygenation, supporting rapid clinical decisions in wildlife care. Establishing reference values is crucial for species such as the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), which is frequently affected by trauma and environmental stress. This study determined venous blood gas and electrolyte parameters in clinically healthy giant anteaters from the Brazilian Cerrado. Eight individuals housed at the Federal University of Uberlândia Veterinary Hospital were evaluated between March and October 2024. Blood samples were collected from awake animals under manual restraint and analyzed immediately with a point-of-care analyzer. Mean venous values were pH 7.37 ± 0.07, pCO2 46.2 ± 4.8 mm Hg, pO2 48.0 ± 9.5 mm Hg, HCO3– (bicarbonate) 27.2 mmol/L, Na+ 138.3 ± 7.5 mmol/L, K+ 4.65 ± 0.67 mmol/L, and Cl– 108.3 ± 6.2 mmol/L. One outlier with metabolic alkalosis was excluded. Compared with domestic carnivores, giant anteaters showed mild hypercapnia and higher bicarbonate, suggesting compensated respiratory acidosis or greater alkaline reserve, a common finding in other myrmecophagous species. These findings establish the first venous blood gas and electrolyte values for M. tridactyla, supporting clinical and anesthetic care.