South American camelids in Switzerland. II. Reference values for blood parameters

In order to establish reference values for blood parameters of South American camelids in Switzerland, 273 blood samples were collected from 141 llamas and 132 alpacas. These animals were classified in three categories (young animals < six months, adult females and males). Forty-one parameters were measured (red blood cell count, white blood cell count, electrolytes, metabolites and enzymes). Significant differences between llamas and alpacas were evident for 26 parameters. This study also showed that differences between young animals, females and males must be taken into consideration. A comparison of blood values with the results of fecal analysis for parasite eggs showed that an infestation with Dicrocoelium dendriticum was associated with elevated activity of two liver enzymes (GLDH and gamma-GT) in the serum. In contrast, no differences were found in the results of blood analyses between animals shedding eggs of gastrointestinal strongyles or not.     

Morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural characteristics of the blood cells of the giant lizard of El Hierro (Gallotia simonyi)

The object of this study was to examine the erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes of the giant lizard of El Hierro (Gallotia simonyi) by light and electron (TEM) microscopy, and cytochemical staining. Smears were prepared from blood from the ventral coccygeal vein of 10 healthy adult lizards (five males and five females) from the Giant Lizard of El Hierro Reproduction and Research Centre, Canary Islands, Spain. The cytochemical stains used were: benzidine peroxidase (BP), chloroacetate esterase (CAE), alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase (ANAE), acid phosphatase (AP), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), toluidine blue (TB) and May-Grünwald-Giemsa (MGG). Electron microscopy was also performed on all samples. Heterophils had granules that were heterogeneous in both size and electron density, and stained with BP, PAS and ANAE. Eosinophil granules were homogeneously electron-dense and stained for AP, CAE and ANAE. Basophils had both highly and moderately electron-dense granules, and stained with TB and ANAE. Azurophil granules were of low electron-density and stained for AP, CAE and ANAE. Azurophil cytoplasm was vacuolated on TEM. The cytoplasm of lymphocytes contained many ribosomes and was positive for AP. Monocytes had a large nucleus and a vacuolated cytoplasm but did not stain by any of the cytochemical methods used. Thrombocytes had a relatively large nucleus but little cytoplasm; they did not stain cytochemically. The blood cells of the giant lizards of El Hierro differ from those of other members of the Order Squamata both morphologically and cytochemically. The variation in cytochemical responses in the blood of reptiles makes it necessary to study species individually if meaningful clinical decisions are to be made.     

Hematology and blood biochemistry of captive mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris).

Comprehensive hematologic and biochemical analyses were conducted on blood from 23 male and 31 female clinically stable captive mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris). Erythrocyte mean corpuscular volume (MCV), potassium, cholesterol, and calcium concentrations were significantly greater in juvenile males than in juvenile females, but no significant differences were determined between parameters of subadult males and subadult females. The mean WBC count and mean heterophil count were significantly higher in adult males than in adult females. Mean uric acid concentration was significantly greater in adult females than in males. Mean erythrocyte count was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. Adult mean WBC and lymphocyte counts were significantly lower than those of both juveniles and subadults. Subadults had significantly lower mean eosinophil counts than both adults and juveniles. Subadults had significantly lower mean alkaline phosphatase activities than juveniles, whereas the adults had significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities than other groups. Lactate dehydrogenase activities were significantly lower for subadults than for juveniles and adults. Cholesterol concentrations were significantly higher for subadults and juveniles compared with adults. Triglyceride concentration was significantly lower for subadults and highest for juveniles. Glucose concentrations were significantly higher for adults. Blood urea nitrogen was significantly lower for subadults than for both adults and juveniles. Uric acid concentrations were significantly higher for juveniles than for the subadults and adults. The subadult animals also had a significantly lower potassium concentration. The results obtained were then compared with known values for other crocodilian species.     

Hematology and serum biochemistry parameters of North American river otters (Lontra canadensis).

Blood samples were obtained from 155 North American river otters (Lontra canadensis; 94 adult males, 38 adult females, 10 juvenile males, and 13 juvenile females) to establish baseline hematology and from 50 adult river otters (40 males and 10 females) for baseline serum biochemistry parameters for the species. The otters were livetrapped from eastern North Carolina (USA) during a 4-yr period. Data for 14 routine hematologic parameters and 22 serum chemistry assays showed significant differences in total leukocyte count and absolute neutrophil and monocyte numbers for adults versus juveniles, red blood cell counts and hemoglobin between adult and juvenile males, and calcium and alkaline phosphatase values for adult males between years of the study and an increase in leukocyte counts and absolute neutrophils with increased degree of trap injury sustained.     

Hematology in sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis Heude, 1884)

Blood samples were taken from 78 wild and 21 farmed sika deer (Cervus nippon yesoensis) using ketamine-xylazine sedation during their excited (82 deer) and resting (17 deer) states. Red cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) were significantly higher and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) was lower in excited deer than in resting deer. There was no significant difference in total leukocyte count (WBC) between excited and resting wild males, while a marked increase of WBC with neutrophilia was observed in excited wild females. RBC and PCV were significantly higher and MCH was lower in excited males than in excited females. In wild deer, WBC was significantly higher in females than in males, but there was no significant difference in WBC between farmed males and females. Sex differences in the hematological parameters were not observed in fawns (10 months).     

不同生长阶段吉林梅花鹿血液生理生化指标分析

本试验通过研究吉林梅花鹿不同生长阶段血液生理生化指标的差异情况,旨在为梅花鹿的健康检测、疾病防治、育种等提供依据和参考。选取吉林省左家、双阳、东丰地区哺乳仔鹿93头（公37头,母56头）、育成鹿135头（公40头,母95头）、成年鹿130头（公42头,母88头）,共358头,进行13项血液生理指标、19项生化指标检测。结果显示：哺乳公鹿与哺乳母鹿各项指标总体上差异不大,仅红细胞系统指标、血糖、肌酸激酶具有显著性差异（P<0.05）;红细胞压积、红细胞平均体积、平均血红蛋白含量、平均血红蛋白浓度、碱性磷酸酶、乳酸脱氢酶在不同性别的育成鹿与成年鹿中差异极显著（P<0.01）。不同生长阶段公鹿天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶、前白蛋白、总胆汁酸、血糖等差异显著（P<0.05）,红细胞系统、肌酸激酶、钙、无机磷、肌酐等差异极显著（P<0.01）,白蛋白、淀粉酶差异不显著（P>0.05）;不同生长阶段的母鹿淋巴细胞总数、红细胞总数、中性粒细胞总数差异显著（P<0.05）,白细胞总数、红细胞系统指标、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶、丙氨酸氨基转移酶、肌酸激酶、钙、无机磷等差异极显著（P<0.01）,谷氨酰转肽酶、总胆汁酸、白蛋白差异不显著（P>0.05）。以上结果说明,不同生长阶段、不同性别的梅花鹿血液生理生化指标存在较大变异,部分指标的差异可能与梅花鹿生茸、性别等生物学特性有关。对上述生理生化指标的测定,获得了不同性别的梅花鹿在不同生长阶段生理生化指标的参考范围,可为梅花鹿选种育种、疾病诊断、资源开发利用提供一定的参考,也可为野生东北梅花鹿资源保护和健康评估提供依据。     

DIAGNOSTIC SENSITIVITY OF ULTRASOUND,RADIOGRAPHY AND COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY FOR GENDER DETERMINATION IN FOUR SPECIES OF LIZARDS

Gender determination is frequently requested by reptile breeders, especially for species with poor or absent sexual dimorphism. The aims of the current study were to describe techniques and diagnostic sensitivities of ultrasound, radiography, and computed tomography for gender determination (identification of hemipenes) in four species of lizards. Nineteen lizards of known sex, belonging to four different species (Pogona vitticeps, Uromastyx aegyptia, Tiliqua scincoides, Gerrhosaurus major) were prospectively enrolled. With informed owner consent, ultrasound, noncontrast CT, contrast radiography, and contrast CT (with contrast medium administered into the cloaca) were performed in conscious animals. Imaging studies were reviewed by three different operators, each unaware of the gender of the animals and of the results of the other techniques. The lizard was classified as a male when hemipenes were identified. Nineteen lizards were included in the study, 10 females and nine males. The hemipenes were seen on ultrasound in only two male lizards, and appeared as oval hypoechoic structures. Radiographically, hemipenes filled with contrast medium appeared as spindle‐shaped opacities. Noncontrast CT identified hemipenes in only two lizards, and these appeared as spindle‐shaped kinked structures with hyperattenuating content consistent with smegma. Hemipenes were correctly identified in all nine males using contrast CT (accuracy of 100%). Accuracy of contrast radiography was excellent (94.7%). Accuracy of ultrasound and of noncontrast CT was poor (64.3% and 63.1%, respectively). Findings from the current study supported the use of contrast CT or contrast radiography for gender determination in lizards.     

Effect of the method of capture on the haematology and blood chemistry of red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Haematological and plasma biochemical constituents can be affected during capture and handling operations in wildlife. The present study compares the blood constituents of 40 red deer (Cervus elaphus) captured using two different methods: 20 were captured by physical means, using long nets and box traps, and 20 by chemical means, using a mixture of xylazine and ketamine. Significant differences were found in the haemogram: red blood cell count, packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration, and segmented neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and total leukocyte counts were higher in animals captured by physical means. Conversely, the eosinophil count was higher in deer captured using anaesthetic. The plasma activity of alanine amino transferase, and the concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, alpha-2 globulins, total proteins, sodium and chloride, were significantly higher in the group captured by physical means. With the exception of the eosinophil count, all the blood constituents which presented higher values were in the group of physically captured deer, and thus it is necessary to take into account the method of capture when interpretation or establishment of reference values is performed.     

Gender Differences–Induced Changes in Serum Hematologic and Biochemical Variables in Mangalarga Marchador Horses After a Marcha Gait Competition

The aim of this study was to investigate whether marcha exercise results in changes in serum hematologic and biochemical variables and whether this condition differs in male and female horses. Thirty-five Mangalarga Marchador horses, 18 males and 17 females were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained before and immediately after a marcha competition. Samples were used for measurement of hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin concentration (HGB), red blood cell (RBC), total and differential white blood cell (WBC), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (Crea), and urea (BUN) levels. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the SAS statistical program, and means were compared by the Tukey test (P < .05). In both males and females, RBC, HCT, AST, and GGT activity increased in response to exercise, but there were no significant differences between genders. In females, significant increases in TP, BUN, Crea, CK, and LDH levels were detected after the marcha gait, but no such changes were detected in males. Total WBC concentrations increased in response to the exercise in both, males and females; however, there were no differences between genders. Plasma HGB, Alb, and ALP levels after marcha gait did not differ in both genders. Marcha exercise–induced significant hematologic and biochemical changes in serum of Mangalarga Marchador horses, independently of gender. However, females presented more blood changes after marcha gait. Gender differences should be taken into consideration in experiments with athletic horses.     

Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values for the wild Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, from the Venezuelan plains

Background: Commercial farming of Caiman crocodilus crocodilus has had an impact on the use of this species for meat consumption and the leather industry. Spectacled Caimans comprise part of the South American plains biodiversity. Misinterpretation of laboratory data is a risk owing to the limited hematologic and serum biochemical values available for this species. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine hematologic and serum biochemical values for wild Spectacled Caimans from the Venezuelan plains. Methods: Blood samples were collected form the caudal tail vein of 100 Spectacled Caimans (40 males and 60 females) from the plains located in the State of Apure. Values for RBC count, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, WBC absolute and differential counts, and thrombocyte counts were obtained using manual methods, and RBC indices were calculated. Serum biochemical analysis included measurement of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase activities and concentrations of total protein and albumin. Comparisons between sexes were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test. Results: Reference values for wild Spectacled Caimans were determined. Minor differences in hematologic values, particularly for RBC counts, were found compared with previously published values for this species. Serum biochemical values were similar to those available for other crocodilians. There were no significant differences between males and females. Conclusions: Minor differences between the values obtained for wild Spectacled Caimans and those previously published for this species may be related to differences in methodology and environmental conditions. Availability of hematologic and serum biochemical reference values will be useful for accurate diagnosis and management of disease in this species.     

Serum protein electrophoresis values for free-ranging and zoo-based koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)

In a clinical setting, especially with species of special interest, it is important to use all clinical pathology testing options for general health monitoring and diagnosis. Protein electrophoresis (EPH) has previously been shown to be an important adjunct tool in veterinary medicine. Serum samples from 18 free-ranging and 12 zoo-based koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) were subject to EPH analysis. Significant differences were found between the two groups for the following values: total protein, albumin, beta globulins, and albumin-globulin ratio (P < 0.05). By using the combined data, the minimum-maximum values for the EPH fractions were as follows: total protein 5.0-7.8 g/dl, albumin 2.8-4.7 g/dl, alpha-1 globulins 0.5-1.1 g/dl, alpha-2 globulins 0.3-0.7 g/dl, beta globulins 0.4-1.0 g/dl, gamma globulins 0.2-1.0 g/dl, and albumin-globulin ratio 1.0-2.1.     

Hematology and clinical chemistry values of free-ranging basilisk lizards (Basiliscus plumifrons) in Costa Rica

Twenty-three lizards were captured for this study, both males and females (12 males, 10 females, 1 undetermined), with a large range in body weights (40-286 g) appeared to be healthy based on activity level, physical examinations, and body condition scores. Heparinized blood samples from 20 free-ranging basilisk lizards (Basiliscus plumifrons) in Costa Rica were used for determining complete blood cell counts, plasma, and heparinized whole blood biochemical analysis. This information will serve as baseline reference data for future health assessment studies of free-ranging and captive basilisk lizards, as well as epidemiologic, conservation, and captive-breeding studies. A point-of-care analyzer was useful for this field study, and clinical chemistry values from heparinized whole blood samples were similar to values from plasma, which indicates that separation of plasma may not be necessary to process blood samples on site in remote areas. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of hematologic and plasma biochemical data from free-ranging B. plumnifrons.     

Dog feeding test for assessing the nutritional adequacy of practical diets

The nutritive value of dog foods declared by the manufacturer as nutritionally complete and balanced can be best assessed by feeding trials with dogs. A protocol of a feeding trial has been developed and tested with working dogs fed two different commercial complete and balanced diets for 8 weeks. The parameters used for evaluating the effect of diets were general health status, body and hair coat condition, change of body weight, haematological parameters (white blood cell (WBC) count, red blood cell (RBC) count, haemoglobin, packed cell volume), and biochemical parameters in blood serum (alanine aminotransferase, urea, albumin). The trial protocol proved to be appropriate to monitor the dogs' nutritional status and to reveal differences between diets. This method of evaluation is recommended for use in supporting the nutritional claims (labelling) of dog foods.     

Assessment and conservation of the giant gomeran lizard (Gallotia bravoana)

In June 1999, a species of lizard previously considered extinct was rediscovered on the island of La Gomera, Spain. The giant gomeran lizard, Gallotia bravoana, is highly endangered and at risk of extinction by the feral cat population. A conservation effort to save the species was initiatived by the regional and central Spanish government and six lizards were captured and brought into captivity. This paper describes the results of the initial assessment of the health of the animals, by a physical examination and by haematological, biochemical, radiographical and coprological investigations. The methods used to maintain the animals in captivity are described and the first captive breeding success is reported.     

Interaction of parasitism and nutrition in goats: effects on haematological parameters, correlations, and other statistical associations.

Weaned wether goats (n = 144) approximately 6 months of age were placed in a 2 x 3 factorial experiment to test the effects and interaction of two levels of nutrition (growth+maintenance, NUT1; and twice growth+maintenance, NUT2) and three levels of Haemonchus contortus burden (0, 500, and 2000 larvae administered every 2 weeks; W0, W500, and W2000, respectively) on packed cell volume, red blood cell count, total serum protein and leukocytes. The statistical analysis revealed clear and proportionate differences among levels of infection for all variables. A significant (P < 0.05) nutritional effect was also found associated with all the variables except leukocytes. Nutrition by worm load interactions were found for packed cell volume and leukocytes. The neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio was higher in the NUT1-infected animals, leading to the nutrition by worm load interaction for leukocytes. An analysis for the different leukocyte types revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences among infection levels for lymphocytes, while nutrition level was found to be a significant effect for basophil count and immature white cells. Several significant correlations were observed between pairs of variables. Faecal egg output could be predicted from actual worm count in three of the four necropsy periods. The clear differences observed for blood parameters were not present in production traits, suggesting that physiological thresholds may play an important role in framing the metabolic activity of biological organisms. Total serum protein was the best indicator of these effects on production parameters.     

Effect of feeding olive by-products on certain blood parameters and serum enzyme activities of fattening rabbits

The effect of feeding different levels (10 and 20%) of dehydrated olive cake pulp on certain blood parameters and on the catalytic activity of serum enzymes was studied in fattening rabbits. A total of 60 rabbits were divided into a control group (C) and two experimental groups (E1, E2), each comprising 10 males and 10 females. Rabbits of Group C received no dehydrated olive cake pulp in their diet, while rabbits of Group E1 and Group E2 were fed 10% and 20% dehydrated olive cake pulp, respectively. After Day 56 of the experiment, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture and certain blood parameters as well as the catalytic activity of serum enzymes were determined. Following the experimental feeding period no significant differences were found between Group C and Groups E1 and E2 in red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) count, haemoglobin concentration and haematocrit value. Similarly, after 56 days of experimental fattening no significant differences were found between the control group and the experimental groups in the catalytic activity of the serum enzymes alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartate amino-transferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). However, Group E2 rabbits manifested a significantly higher alanine amino-transferase (ALT) activity in the serum than did rabbits of Group E1. The results indicate that the inclusion of dehydrated olive cake pulp in the diet at the rate of 10% or 20% caused no changes in the investigated blood parameters and serum enzyme activities of fattening rabbits.     

Plasma biochemical reference values in clinically healthy captive bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) and the effects of sex and season

Background: Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizard species, and biochemical reference values are useful for health management of these reptiles. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure plasma biochemical values in healthy captive bearded dragons, determine reference values, and evaluate the effects of sex and season on the results. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 100 captive healthy bearded dragons in Tokyo during the summer and winter. Plasma biochemical measurements were performed using a dry‐slide automated biochemical analyzer. The data were then compared based on sex and season using 2‐way ANOVA. Results: Globulin, cholesterol, and calcium concentrations of females were higher in both summer and winter compared with the values obtained for males. Both males and females had higher uric acid concentrations in winter than in summer. When compared with males, females had a higher chloride concentration in summer and a higher total protein concentration and aspartate aminotransferase activity in winter. Potassium concentration in males was lower in winter than in summer, whereas in females cholesterol concentration was lower in winter than in summer. Conclusions: Biochemical values that differed based on sex and season in bearded dragons were similar to those in other lizards. These differences reflect physiologic differences in reproductive status in females and seasonal changes in temperature and hydration status. Plasma biochemical values established for bearded dragons in this study will be useful in the diagnostic assessment of captive animals.     

Application of the Vettest 8008 system for the biochemical analysis of vervet monkey plasma

A clinical biochemistry analyser designed specifically for veterinary use was used to analyse plasma samples from 24 vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops). Two millilitres of heparinised blood was collected from each of the 24 monkeys on four occasions at intervals of one week. Plasma was separated and analysed for the concentrations of triglycerides, cholesterol, total proteins, albumin, globulins, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK). The tests were easy to perform, used small volumes of plasma, and yielded consistent results for most of the analytes. The activities of CK and AP, but not AST, appeared to be influenced by haemolysis, and there were significant individual variations in the activity of LDH.     

Effects of acepromazine on the stress response in Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) captured by means of drive-nets

This study was conducted to assess the stress response of Southern chamois (Rupicapra pyrenaica) to capture and physical restraint and the effects of acepromazine (a short-acting neuroleptic) on this response. Forty free-ranging Southern chamois were captured, injected intramuscularly with acepromazine (19 animals, randomly selected) or saline (the other 21 animals), and physically restrained for 3 h. Heart rate and body temperature were monitored with telemetric devices, and blood samples were obtained at capture and every hour thereafter to determine hematologic and serum biochemical parameters. The lower heart-rate variability, temperature, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), and serum creatine kinase activity in the animals treated with acepromazine indicated that this agent reduced the adverse effects of stress. According to the differences in heart rate, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, PCV, lymphocyte count, and serum concentrations of glucose, creatinine, chloride, and potassium, alpha-adrenergic stimulation by catecholamines seemed to be stronger in females, whereas the adrenal-cortex reaction seemed to be stronger in males. The differences in erythrocyte parameters, temperature, serum creatine kinase activity, and serum concentrations of potassium and chloride indicated that acepromazine's beneficial effects were greater in females.     

Clinical biochemistry in healthy manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris).

Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) are endangered aquatic mammals living in coastal and riverine waterways of Florida and adjacent states. Serum or plasma biochemical analyses are important tools in evaluating the health of free-ranging and captive manatees. The purpose of this study was to measure diagnostically important analytes in the plasma of healthy manatees and to determine whether there was significant variation with respect to location (free-ranging versus captive), age class (small calves, large calves, subadults, adults), and gender. No significant differences in plasma sodium, potassium, bilirubin, glucose, alanine aminotransferase, or creatine kinase were found among these classes of animals. Compared to free-ranging manatees, captive animals had significantly lower mean concentrations of plasma chloride, phosphate, magnesium, triglycerides, anion gap, and lactate. Captive manatees had significantly higher mean values of total CO2, calcium, urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyltransferase, total protein, albumin, and albumin/globulin ratio than did free-ranging animals. Differences in the environments of these two groups, including diet, temperature, salinity, and stress, might account for some of these results. The higher plasma lactate and anion gap concentrations and lower total CO2 concentrations of free-ranging manatees were probably due to greater exertion during capture, but the lack of elevated plasma creatine kinase activity relative to captive animals indicates that there was no serious muscle injury associated with capture. Plasma phosphate decreased and total globulins increased with age. Plasma cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were highest in small calves. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase was higher in large calves than in adults and subadults, and the albumin/ globulin ratio was higher in subadults than in adults. Plasma total CO2 was higher and chloride was slightly lower in females than in males.