Age effects on hematologic and serum chemical values in gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica).

Hematologic and serum chemical values were determined in groups of gray short-tailed opossums (Monodelphis domestica) that differed in age by increments of 6 months throughout the normal adult lives of M. domestica in captivity (6 months to 3.5 years). Significant age related differences were observed for some characteristics in both sexes. Previously reported sex differences in hematologic characteristics were confirmed. The means, ranges and standard deviations for the values presented here can be used as age-specific reference values for healthy M. domestica.