**5. Conclusions**

The data obtained in the present research support the use of plasma lactate concentration at admission to predict outcome of recovered roe deer, independently from the cause of recovery. Plasma lactate may be easily evaluated using a point of care portable analyzer in a very rapid, cheap, and feasible way. The results obtained may be interpreted by veterinary professionals in conjunction with other clinical information to predict prognosis, thus avoiding directing excessive e fforts and resources on untreatable animals, and reducing over- and mis-treatments. Furthermore, our results will help guide euthanasia as a humane solution for wild animals facing little chance of release back into the wild.

**Author Contributions:** Conceptualization R.R., S.C.; Investigation E.D.L., R.R., F.F.; Statistical analysis V.M.; Writing, original draft preparation S.C., E.D.L.; Writing, review and editing, R.R., F.F., V.M. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

**Funding:** This research received no external funding.

**Acknowledgments:** The authors wish to thank Charlotte Rendina for revising English language.

**Conflicts of Interest:** The authors declare no conflict of interest.
