Characterization of blood cells in the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) |
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| Authors: | Chaleow Salakij Jarernsak Salakij Kreangsak Prihirunkit Nual‐Anong Narkkong Decha Pitakkingthong |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Departments of1Pathology and 2Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaengsaen, Nakorn Pathom, Thailand;2. 3Faculty of Science, Central Instrumentation Units, Mahasarakarm University, Maha Sarakarm, Thailand;3. and 4Khaokeaw Open Zoo, Sriracha, Chonburi, Thailand |
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| Abstract: | Background: The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most frequently encountered wild cat in most of Southeast Asia. Limited hematologic investigation exists for this species. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess routine hematologic measurements and parameters and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in Leopard Cats. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 adult healthy captive Leopard Cats (7 males and 5 females). Complete blood counts were performed using an automated hematology analyzer and manual differential counts. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], periodic acid‐Schiff [PAS], α‐naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and β‐glucuronidase [BG]) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods. Results: Median (range) hematologic results were as follows: PCV 0.46 L/L (0.30–0.55 L/L), hemoglobin 136.5 g/L (100–183 g/L), WBC 9.0 × 109/L (6.9–15.2 × 109/L), band neutrophils 0.07 × 109/L (0–0.30 × 109/L), segmented neutrophils 2.9 × 109/L (1.2–6.34 × 109/L), lymphocytes 5.3 × 109/L (2.7–8.1 × 109/L), eosinophils 0.14 × 109/L (0–0.73 × 109/L), basophils 0/L (0–0.22 × 109/L), and monocytes 0.08 × 109/L (0–0.30 × 109/L). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, PO, and PAS; lymphocytes had fine granular positivity for ANAE and BG; monocytes were weakly positive for ANAE and BG; and basophils were strongly positive for BG. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils contained many large rod‐shaped granules with prominent crystalloid core structures, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Basophils contained many round to oval specific granules with homogeneous contents. Low number of basophils contained a few small vacuoles that usually were not detected by light microscopy. Conclusion: These findings will facilitate interpretation of hematologic results for future investigative and diagnostic studies of this species. |
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| Keywords: | Cytochemistry erythrocytes feline hematology leukocytes ultrastructure |
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