Clinical biochemical values of llamas: reference values

Fifteen clinical biochemical measurements were done on serum from 64 clinically healthy adult llamas (26 males and 38 females). Values for several of these tests were different from those reported for llamas and from reference values for other domesticated ruminants. Comparison of values between males and females revealed significant differences for several tests. Clinical biochemical values reported in the present study can serve as reference values for adult llamas.     

Clinical chemistry reference values in two breeds of swine and their changes during percutaneous exposure to soman

Clinical chemistry reference values in blood from 48 nonfasting Chester White/Yorkshire and 48 Hanford Miniature swine were determined. Subsequently, 40 animals of each breed were restrained in a cloth sling and fasted for 24 hours while exposed percutaneously to pinacolyl methylphosphonofluoridate (soman). The range of dosages for the Hanford Miniature swine was 2.0 to 15.8 mg/kg, and for the Chester White/Yorkshire swine, the range was 4.0 to 25.0 mg/kg. Sham-exposed groups, consisting of 8 animals of each breed, were treated in an identical manner, except no anticholinesterase agent was administered. Samples of blood were drawn at 1, 7, 14, and 28 days after soman or sham exposure. In the sham-exposed groups, significant changes from the reference values were observed as a result of the 24-hour restraint. In both breeds, skeletal muscle enzyme activities were increased, plasma cholinesterase activity (ChEPL) was decreased, calcium concentration was decreased, and phosphorus concentration was increased. Percutaneous exposure to soman resulted in decreases of ChEPL and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities (ChERBC). The ChEPL recovered more quickly than the ChERBC in both breeds. Even in asymptomatic swine, the decrease of ChERBC was greater than 60% after 24 hours. In the swine of each breed given the largest dosage, hyperglycemia was apparent in blood samples taken at the onset of apnea, especially when the animal survived for greater than 2 hours. We conclude that both breeds of swine, on the basis of dispersion in clinical chemistry reference values, were equally suited for this type of dermatotoxicity study. The sling method of restraint, however, caused some undesirable changes in biochemical values.     

Hematologic and clinical chemistry reference values in red lories (Eos spp.)

We established reference ranges for three hematologic and 15 clinical chemistry parameters of 40 clinically healthy birds of the genus Eos. The following species were included to the study: Eos histrio (n = 19), Eos squamata (n = 8), Eos bomea (n = 5), Eos reticulata (n = 4), Eos cyanogenia (n = 4). Detailed information concerning methodology, which is often missing in papers dealing with reference values, is included. As far as possible, data are compared with literature, and some thoughts on obvious deviations are given. The problem of establishing reference values in rare species is reviewed.     

Plasma chemistry reference values from captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa)

1. Haematological and plasma biochemical parameters of 66 captive red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa) of both sexes were analysed in order to determine reference values, taking sex and age into account. 2. There were no statistically significant differences in haematocrit, plasma glucose content or creatine kinase activity either with age or between sexes. 3. Plasma cholesterol concentrations showed differences between sexes, whereas the plasma concentrations of urea, uric acid and creatinine were significantly affected by age. 4. Plasma triglyceride and total protein concentrations were affected by both sex and age. 5. A peak at 6 months old in those parameters related to protein metabolism, such as urea, uric acid and creatinine may be related to the end of the growing period and the start of ovulation after moulting.     

Canine hematology and biochemistry reference values.

Reference hematology and biochemistry values for 53 variables are presented from 51 clinically healthy dogs, 26 female and 25 male, approximately six to 24 months of age and of mixed breed. These dogs were sampled because of their good health status and the opportunity to collect the volume of blood required to complete the variable analysis of interest. Collection of blood specimens and laboratory analysis was done in a standard described manner, the latter including a continuing quality control program. For each variable the data were examined for homogeneity and when present, outliers (n = 9) were excluded. Parametric analysis was used to calculate the reference interval for those variables which had a Gaussian distribution or could be changed to a Gaussian distribution by any of four transformations. For those variables in which Gaussian distribution was not present or attained, nonparametric analysis was used. Due to the small size of the population sample, the uncertainty of breed and the exact age of each dog, breed, age and sex effects were not examined. Reference values should be used to assist interpretation of observations obtained from an animal or animals of comparable origin, i.e. similar subpopulation, and only if the same laboratory techniques are followed. Until each laboratory is able to generate reference values using adequate sample size and current methodology for the numerous subpopulations of interest, reference intervals such as these are useful to clinicians and researchers.     

Plasma chemistry reference values in hybrid falcons in relation to their species of origin

Twenty-one blood chemistry parameters were determined in 127 peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), 79 gyr-peregrine hybrids and 166 gyr-saker hybrids. These parameters, together with those previously established in 53 gyr falcons (Falco rusticolus) and 234 saker falcons (Falco cherrug), were compared. There were statistically significant differences in 15 of the parameters between the saker and peregrine falcons; the saker and gyr falcons; the saker and gyr-saker hybrids; the peregrine and gyr falcons; and the peregrine and gyr-peregrine hybrids, but not between the gyr falcons and the gyr-saker falcon hybrids.     

Estimating clinical chemistry reference values based on an existing data set of unselected animals

In an attempt to standardise the determination of biological reference values, the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) has published a series of recommendations on developing reference intervals. The IFCC recommends the use of an a priori sampling of at least 120 healthy individuals. However, such a high number of samples and laboratory analysis is expensive, time-consuming and not always feasible, especially in veterinary medicine. In this paper, an alternative (a posteriori) method is described and is used to determine reference intervals for biochemical parameters of farm animals using an existing laboratory data set. The method used was based on the detection and removal of outliers to obtain a large sample of animals likely to be healthy from the existing data set. This allowed the estimation of reliable reference intervals for biochemical parameters in Sarda dairy sheep. This method may also be useful for the determination of reference intervals for different species, ages and gender.     

Hematology and biochemistry reference values for Ontario swine.

The purpose of this study was to establish blood reference values for Ontario swine from various age groups. Weanling pigs, feeder pigs, gilts and sows on 11 randomly selected swine farms were sampled using the orbital sinus bleeding technique. Routine hematological and biochemical determinations were performed using whole blood and serum. For the variables examined in each age group the means, the standard deviations and the 95% upper and lower limits were calculated.     

Hematology and biochemistry reference values for the ranch fox.

Reference hematology and biochemistry values are presented from a mixed population of 30 silver and red foxes of both sexes, reared and living under fox-farming conditions in southern Ontario. Based on history and physical examination, the animals in this study were clinically healthy at the time of blood collection and maintained under similar husbandry practices. The observations were examined for outliers and Gaussian distribution before and after one of three transformations. Parametric analysis was used to determine lower and upper reference limits. Where observations were not Gaussian, minimum and maximum values are given. These reference values are presented as a usable first approximation of population reference values to assist clinicians and researchers in their interpretation of observations obtained from foxes of similar populations.     

Field chemistry analysis.

Typical manual and automated technologies used in field chemistry testing are reviewed, along with associated advantages and disadvantages. A brief overview of metabolic disease monitoring is included. Guidelines for evaluating and achieving success are provided, including criteria for system evaluation and expectations for comparative performance evaluations. The more common problems and limitations associated with field chemistry diagnostics and how to best prevent them are also discussed.     

Clinical chemistry values and tissue enzyme activities in western barred bandicoots (Perameles bougainville)

BACKGROUND: The western barred bandicoot, Perameles bougainville, is an endangered Australian marsupial species whose survival is threatened by a papillomatosis and carcinomatosis syndrome. Investigations to characterize this syndrome would benefit from species-specific clinical chemistry data. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine plasma biochemical reference values and to determine enzyme activities in various tissues of P. bougainville. METHODS: Heparinized blood samples were collected by jugular venipuncture from 53 clinically healthy bandicoots of both sexes and at 3 geographic locations. Plasma was analyzed for routine clinical chemistry variables using an automated biochemistry analyzer. Tissues obtained following humane euthanasia of 3 bandicoots were analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK), alpha-amylase (AML), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities. RESULTS: Significant differences in the results were found for animals based on geographic location and sex; hence, results were expressed as minimum and maximum values. A population reference interval was calculated for AST activity (20-283 U/L). ALT was found mainly in the liver, with lower levels in cardiac and skeletal muscle and kidneys. AST was detectable in many tissues, including the heart, liver, kidneys, and central nervous system; CK was found in skeletal and cardiac muscle and central nervous system; AML was found in the pancreas; and GGT was found mainly in kidneys with lower levels in the intestines and pancreas. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will facilitate the interpretation of clinical chemistry results from P. bougainville and thereby inform population management and clinical decision-making.     

Blood chemistry values for shovelnose and lake sturgeon

Blood chemistry panels are commonly used for assessing the general health of vertebrate animals. Here, we present novel blood chemistry data for two North American sturgeon species, shovelnose sturgeon Scaphirhynchus platorynchus and lake sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. Measurements were done using a portable chemistry analyzer (VetScan Analyzer; Abaxis). Among the plasma values measured (mean ± SD for shovelnose and lake sturgeon, respectively) were total proteins (3.7 ± 0.9 and 2.8 ± 0.4 g/dL), albumin (2.0 ± 0.5 and 1.1 ± 0.2 g/dL), globulin (1.7 ± 0.7 and 1.7 ± 0.3 g/dL), glucose (107 ± 46 and 62 ± 9.7 mg/dL), sodium (Na(+); 132 ± 3.6 and 150 ± 14 mEq/L), potassium (K(+); 3.5 ± 0.2 and 2.8 ± 1.7 mEq/L), phosphorus (10.4 ± 1.9 and 11.6 ± 3.6 mg/dL), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 676 ± 433 and 634 ± 234 IU/L). Higher values for total proteins, albumin, glucose, and Na(+) in shovelnose sturgeon than in lake sturgeon probably are the result of handling stress. In addition, the plasma of male shovelnose sturgeon had higher concentrations of AST, glucose, and globulin than did that of females, whereas the plasma of females had higher concentrations of albumin and K(+) than that of males. This study is the first to report blood chemistry data for shovelnose sturgeon. Robust blood chemistry databases can be used by aquaculturists and fish managers for monitoring sturgeon health.     

Clinical reference values for serum protein electrophoresis for the llama (Lama glama)

Serum protein electrophoresis was performed on 71 clinically healthy juvenile and adult llamas (6 juvenile males, 7 juvenile females, 25 adult males, 13 adult females, and 20 pregnant females) to determine normal serum protein concentrations. Values were reported for each of the 5 groups because the groups were not homogeneous in all 8 peaks. Although the values reported here may serve as reference values for adults, they represent only a guideline for the juveniles because of the limited number of animals in each of these groups.     

Economic values for meat quality traits in pigs.

The aim for this study was to derive economic values for meat quality traits. Meat quality experts from 10 slaughter and retail companies in Switzerland were asked to give an interview in which they indicated their willingness to pay different prices for carcasses from different quality classes. Economic values for the seven meat quality traits color (L*), drip loss, intramuscular fat content, iodine value, pH1 (45 min after slaughtering), pH2 (24 to 30 h after slaughtering), and proportion of premium cuts were derived from the answers. For each trait, a weighted mean of these economic values was calculated using the number of pigs slaughtered by a company per year as a weighting factor. Population mean and standard deviation of the investigated traits were taken from station test results of Swiss Large White pigs (intramuscular fat content, iodine value, pH1, pH2, and proportion of premium cuts) and from the literature (color and drip loss). Weighted means (range among companies) of economic values per slaughter pig on the basis of one phenotypic standard deviation of the trait in Swiss Francs (SFr.) were -22.92 (0 to -62.46) for color, -10.27 (0 to -43.64) for drip loss, 10.84 (0 to 29.43) for intramuscular fat content, -29.90 (-15.54 to -43.58) for iodine value, 11.50 (.67 to 19.79) for pH1, 0 (0) for pH2, and 10.92 (-2.30 to 33.67) for proportion of premium cuts.     

Evaluation of hematological, chemistry and blood gas values in dogs receiving hemoglobin glutamer-200

Objective: To evaluate the degree of interference that administration of hemoglobin glutamer‐200 (Hb‐200) caused for complete blood counts (CBC), biochemical profiles, cooximetry, and point of care (POC) testing in healthy dogs. Design: Prospective, longitudinal experimental study. Setting: Veterinary medical teaching hospital. Animals: Six purpose‐bred research hounds. Interventions: Dogs were administered FDA‐approved hemoglobin‐based oxygen carrier (Hb‐200) intravenously at 7.5 mL/kg over 2 hours. Arterial and venous blood samples were obtained before administration (Time 0) and at 3, 8, 14, 26, 50, 74, 98, 122, and 146 hours following administration. Measurements and main results: No adverse health effects were observed in any of the dogs. Characteristic mucous membrane, serum, and plasma color changes occurred following administration of Hb‐200. Laboratory values that were significantly lower than baseline included packed cell volume, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, creatinine, cholesterol, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Laboratory values that were significantly greater than baseline included mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, arterial pH, arterial total carbon dioxide, arterial bicarbonate, amylase, albumin, total protein, globulin, calcium, phosphorous, total bilirubin, carboxyhemoglobin, and methemoglobin. All values returned to baseline by the completion of the 146‐hour monitoring period. Conclusions: In normal dogs, administration of Hb‐200 resulted in statistically significant changes in multiple laboratory parameters; however, these changes are not likely to be clinically significant in the care of critically ill dogs.