Venous blood gas and lactate values in adult giraffe trained for voluntary jugular phlebotomy

Blood gas analyses have previously been performed for giraffe under anesthesia and with physical restraint in a chute; however, reference values for giraffe that are trained to participate in venipuncture without chemical or physical restraint have not previously been described. Using a point‐of‐care blood gas and lactate analyzer and 20 giraffe trained for voluntary phlebotomy, values were determined for venous blood gasses and plasma lactate concentration. Ninety‐five percent confidence in the mean values for venous pH (7.34–7.46), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2; 28.5–37.8 mmHg), partial pressure of oxygen (PO2; 56–102 mmHg), bicarbonate (HCO3−; 18.9–21.0 mmol/L), base excess (BE; −6.0 to −3.6 mmol/L), total carbon dioxide (TCO2; 19.9–22.0 mmol/L), and lactate (0.32–0.56 mmol/L) were calculated. This is the first report on venous blood gas analysis values for giraffe without chemical or physical restraint. These data will provide a reference for clinical interpretation of venous blood gas and lactate values in giraffe and demonstrate some of the potential diagnostic benefits to training giraffe and other zoo species for voluntary medical procedures. Visual representation depicting the process of voluntary jugular phlebotomy in trained giraffes and the subsequent analysis of venous blood gases and lactate levels using point‐of‐care technology. Key Points/Highlights We established reference values for venous blood gas and lactate concentrations in conscious giraffes trained for voluntary phlebotomy. Using a point‐of‐care blood gas analyzer to obtain rapid and accurate assessments of cardiopulmonary and metabolic physiology in giraffes may aid in clinical decision making. A comparison of blood gas values between giraffes housed at different altitudes revealed significant differences in base excess and serum bicarbonate levels. Voluntary training programs contribute to the advancement of medical care and welfare of giraffe.