*Statistic Analysis*

Descriptive statistics were calculated. Data from hunted deer were used to calculate reference ranges according to the official guidelines [6]. The Dixon method was applied to identify and eliminate the outliers [7].

A Shapiro–Wilk test was performed to assess normal distribution of data among outcome groups. A Kruskal–Wallis test was performed to assess possible differences in L-lactate concentration among outcome groups. Contingency tables were prepared, and the Pearson's chi-squared test was performed to assess possible differences in sex, age, and cause of admission among outcome groups.

ROC curves were drawn, and coordinates were used to determine the cutoff value of L-lactate concentration, having 100% specificity and the highest sensitivity in the identification of animals with a negative outcome. These criteria were applied to select the cutoff value, since we aimed to identify animals with a negative outcome and avoid false positive results.

At first, survivors and animals who encountered spontaneous death were included in the ROC curve analysis. Thereafter, humanely euthanized animals (group 2) were also included and grouped together with those who died spontaneously.

All statistical analyses were performed by means of a dedicated software (SPSS 20.0 for Windows). Significance was set at *p* ≤ 0.05 for all analyses.
