Health evaluation of arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs in Sweden

Hematologic. serum biochemistry, and serum cortisol reference ranges were e stablished and tonsil/rectal bacterial and fecal parasite examinations were performed on 21 wild arctic fox (Alopex lagopus) cubs during July 1996. Se veral of the hematologic and serum biochemistry values fell within normal r anges for other wild canids or domestic dogs of the same age class. Serum a lanine transaminase and creatine phosphokinase values were significantly hi gher in the youngest cubs. Proteus vulgaris and Escherichia coli were isola ted from both tonsilar and rectal swabs of several cubs in all dens. The mo st common gastrointestinal parasite ova were Toxascaris leonina (59%), Isos pora spp. (52%), Uncinaria stenocephala (33%), and Capillaria spp. (26%). P revalence of T. leonina differed significantly between dens and between age groups. Hematologic and serum biochemistry values and degree of parasitism may be indicators of health, stress, and nutritional status of arctic foxe s.