Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Plasma biochemistry of one-humped camel (Camelus dromedarius): Effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals but limited informations are existing for camel plasma biochemistry. Eleven clinically healthy one-humped camels were blood sampled in different tubes containing different anticoagulants and plain tubes for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, and chloride and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of AST, ALT, CK, total bilirubin, and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than in serum. Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase for CK activity and significant decrease for GGT, cholesterol, creatinine and chloride were seen when heparin was used as anticoagulant. Using EDTA as an anticoagulant caused a significant difference in the amounts of some measured parameters in plasma except glucose, AST, ALT, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, total protein, bilirubin, and triglyceride in comparison with serum.     

Effects of heparin, citrate, and EDTA on plasma biochemistry of sheep: Comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for sheep plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy Baloochi breed of sheep were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulants and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, total bilirubin, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatine kinase (CK) and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Except for the amounts of GGT, bilirubin and inorganic phosphorus, other measured parameters were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For corrected citrated plasma significant differences were seen for the concentrations of glucose, creatinine, calcium and the activity of ALP.Most parameters did not show any difference, but significant increase was seen for albumin concentration when heparin was used as an anticoagulant. Using EDTA as anticoagulant caused a significant difference for the concentrations of some of the measured parameters in plasma except glucose, GGT, cholesterol, albumin, bilirubin, CK, and inorganic phosphorus comparing with serum.     

Plasma biochemistry of ostrich (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Struthio camelus</Emphasis>): effects of anticoagulants and comparison with serum

The effects of various types of anticoagulants on plasma biochemistry were studied in man and various animals, but limited information is existing for ostrich plasma biochemistry. Ten clinically healthy ostrich were blood sampled in different tubes containing each anticoagulant and plain tube for harvesting plasma and serum. The concentrations of glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, albumin, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, and magnesium and the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. The concentrations of glucose, uric acid, total protein, and calcium were significantly lower in citrated plasma than that of serum. For dilution corrected citrated plasma significant differences were only seen for the concentration of uric acid. Most parameters did not show any differences, but significant increase were seen for glucose, total protein, albumin, and phosphorus concentrations when heparin was used as an anticoagulant.     

Effects of storage time and freezing temperature on clinical chemical parameters from canine serum and heparinized plasma

To assess changes in 24 blood constituents in frozen serum and heparinized plasma, blood samples were drawn from 10 clinically normal German Shepherd army dogs. The storage characteristics of nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), and 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Parallel samples of serum and heparinized plasma were stored for 90 and 240 days at two different storage temperatures, -200 degrees C and -700 degrees C. Sixteen of the 24 analytes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, magnesium, phosphate, urea) showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) changes during the storage period related to storage time, storage temperature, and sample type. Seven of the analytes (amylase, GGT, GLDH, LDH, bile acids, fructosamine, magnesium) showed changes of possible clinical importance with mean differences from baseline larger than 20% for the enzymes and 10% for the metabolites and minerals during the storage periods.     

The Influence of Age on Clinical Biochemical Parameters in Pure-bred Arabian Mares

Specific reference intervals are needed for each animal species for the appropriate interpretation of the results obtained from serum biochemical tests. The aim of this study was to investigate the blood composition of pure-bred Arabian mares to evaluate the need for defining reference values for different age groups. In all, 90 clinically healthy mares from five farms were used in the trial. For the determination of the effect of age, 90 mares were assigned to six groups. Groups A, B, C, D, E, and F comprised 15 foals aged ≤5 months (mean ± SD: 2.45 ± 1.88), 15 foals aged 6 to 18 months (mean ± SD: 9.33 ± 2.93), 15 mares aged 2 to 5 years (mean ± SD: 3.91 ± 0.7), 15 mares aged 6 to 12 years (mean ± SD: 8.66 ± 2.3), 15 mares aged 14 to 20 years (mean ± SD: 17.81 ± 2.13), and 15 mares aged >20 years (mean ± SD: 22.8 ± 1.93), respectively. Glucose, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albumin, creatinine, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, total protein, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), calcium, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus concentrations were measured in the blood serum samples. There were significant age-related alterations for most of the biochemical parameters, except for ALT, LDH activities, and glucose, albumin, magnesium, and iron levels. The results of the present study showed that direct bilirubin (P < .01), ALP, and phosphorus decreased significantly (P < .001), whereas BUN, calcium (P < .01), creatinine, total protein, and total bilirubin increased (P < .001) with age. In foals, ALP activity, direct bilirubin, and phosphorus levels were higher, whereas BUN, creatinine, total protein, total bilirubin, and calcium levels were lower as compared with older animals. Biochemical values determined in the present study serve as reference ranges for pure-bred Arabian mares and can be used for health control and diagnosis of diseases.     

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.     

Serum constituents analyses in dairy cows: effects of duration and temperature of the storage of clotted blood

We studied the effects of storage time and temperature of clotted whole blood on the amounts of 17 analytes in bovine blood serum. Serum separated after blood was allowed to stand for 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24h at room temperature or on ice. Results obtained for phosphorous, magnesium, urea, cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), triglyceride, albumin, total protein and gamma-glutamyletransferase (GGT) were not influenced by storage at room temperature or on ice for as long as 24h. Duration of the clotted whole blood storage had a significant effect on calcium, glucose concentrations, creatine kinase (CK) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and temperature had a significant effect on glucose, non-esterified fatty acids, CK and bilirubin concentrations.     

Age-specific plasma biochemistry reference ranges in <1 year old dogs in Japan

The purpose of this study was to investigate and propose possible reference intervals of plasma biochemical analytes in young dogs (<12 months old) in Japan, using 896 canine plasma samples, collected from an array of veterinary clinics throughout the greater Tokyo metropolis area in Japan. The following biochemical parameters were assessed: albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), amylase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), glucose, lipase, total cholesterol (T-Cho), and total protein (TP) were evaluated. Multivariate linear regression analysis indicated that partitioning according to age or gender may be necessary for some plasma analytes. Age appeared to significantly affect ALB, ALT, ALP, BUN, Glucose, Lipase, and Total Protein (P=?<0.001, <0.001, <0.001, 0.013, <0.001, 0.025, and <0.001, respectively). On the other hand, gender significantly influenced ALP, Amylase, Lipase, and T-Cho levels (P=0.017, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively) whereas it may be borderline significant with ALT (P=0.072).     

Effects of storage time on chemistry results from canine whole blood,heparinized whole blood,serum and heparinized plasma

The stability and storage characteristics of 24 blood constituents from dogs including nine enzymes (ALP, ALT, amylase, AST, CK, GGT, GLDH, LDH, lipase), 15 metabolites and minerals (albumin, bile acids, bilirubin, calcium, cholesterol, creatinine, fructosamine, glucose, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, protein, sodium, triglycerides, urea) were studied. Conditions studied included storing of nonanticoagulated and heparinized whole blood for 3 days (Part A), and storing of serum and heparinized plasma for 3 days (Part B). The storage temperature for both studies was +4 degrees C from day 0 to day 1, and +20 degrees C, from day 1 to day 2 and 3. Eight of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) for three days in whole blood. However, the stability of all 24 analytes greatly improved by storing serum or heparinized plasma compared to nonanticoagulated or heparinized whole blood. In stored serum or heparinized plasma, 20 of 24 analytes showed no significant differences (p < 0.05) for 3 days. Nine of 24 analytes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) between serum and heparinized plasma, where CK, LDH, GGT, and potassium showed differences of possible clinical importance. This study strongly supports the practice of separating serum/plasma from clot/cells as promptly as possible to achieve improved stability for most analytes under test.     

Effect of storage on some constituents of camel serum

SUMMARY Effects of storage at room temperature (23–25°C) and refrigeration (4–5°C) on various biochemical constituents of camel serum were investigated. Albumin, globulin, calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) did not change over 9 days when stored at 4–5°C. At 4–5°C, creatinine, iron and glucose in camel sera remained stable for 6 days; total protein for 7 days; and blood urea nitrogen for 8 days. Decreased activities in creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were apparent after 1, 6 and 7 days, respectively. At room temperature, total protein, albumin, globulin, calcium and phosphorus were stable throughout the 9 days. Changes in glucose and iron occurred after 3 days. Stability at room temperature for LDH was 1 day; AST, 3 days; GGT and ALT, 6 days; and AP, 8 days. CK activity had already declined by 4 hours and by 9 days, only 34% activity remained.     

A comparison of nutritionally-related blood metabolites among Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers raised on sweetveld

The objective of the study was to determine monthly variations in serum glucose, cholesterol, total protein (TP), urea, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus beef steers raised on sweetveld. Twenty-five Nguni, 15 Aberdeen Angus and 15 Bonsmara 8-month old steers were studied from June 2006 until March 2007. Across the 9 months, Nguni had higher concentrations of glucose (P =0.019) and cholesterol (P =0.001) than the other two breeds. The overall glucose and cholesterol concentrations in the Nguni were 4 and 2.86mmol/L, respectively. There was a breedxmonth interaction on glucose, cholesterol, creatinine, calcium, albumin and phosphorus concentrations. Breed had no effect on TP, urea, globulin and AST concentrations. Breed and month differences obtained could be attributed to changes in environment temperature and nutrient content of the forage.     

Hematology, plasma biochemistry, and tissue enzyme activities of invasive red lionfish captured off North Carolina, USA

The red lionfish Pterois volitans is important not only in the aquarium trade but also as an invasive species in the western Atlantic. Introduced to waters off the southeastern coast of the United States, red lionfish have rapidly spread along much of the East Coast and throughout Bermuda, the Bahamas, and much of the Caribbean. Hematology and plasma biochemistry were evaluated in red lionfish captured from the offshore waters of North Carolina to establish baseline parameters for individual and population health assessment. Blood smears were evaluated for total and differential white blood cell counts, and routine clinical biochemical profiles were performed on plasma samples. To improve the interpretive value of routine plasma biochemistry profiles, tissue enzyme activities (alkaline phosphatase [ALP], alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST], gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT], lactate dehydrogenase [LD], and creatine kinase [CK]) were analyzed from liver, kidney, skeletal muscle, gastrointestinal tract, and heart tissues from five fish. The hematological and plasma biochemical values were similar to those of other marine teleosts except that the estimated white blood cell counts were much lower than those routinely found in many species. The tissue enzyme activity findings suggest that plasma LD, CK, and AST offer clinical relevance in the assessment of red lionfish.     

Effects of Concentrate Supplementation on Blood Biochemical Indexes in Tibetan Sheep after Grazing at High Altitude Area in Cold Season

To study the effects of concentrate supplementation on serum biochemical indexes,40 nine-month-old Oura-type Tibetan sheep (30.21 kg±1.42 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups.Group A grazed naturally,group B,C and D supplemented with 0.10,0.20 and 0.30 kg mixed concentrate per sheep every day after grazing,respectively.The trial lasted 210 days.The results showed that the content of total serum protein (TP),albumin (ALB),globulin (GLB),calcium (Ca),Ca/IP(inorganic phosphorus) value,creatine kinase (CK),lactate dehydrogenase (LDH),aspartate transaminase (AST),alaine transaminase (ALT) and γ-glutamine transferase (GGT) of the sheep increased with the concentrate supplemented.The content of serum glucose (GLU),cholesterol (CHO) and triglyceride (TG),the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT),the concentrations of growth hormone (GH),insulin-like growth facior-1 (IGF-1),cholecystokinin (CCK),IgA,IgG and IgM increased with the increasing of the amount of concentrate supplementation.But the IgG concentration of group D decreased a little compared with group C (P>0.05).Supplementary feed significantly increased the activity of alkaline phosphatase (AMP),the concentration of urea nitrogen (BUN) and the value of BUN/CRE (P<0.05),and significantly decreased the concentrations of creatinine (CRE) and uric acid (UA) (P<0.05).The results showed that supplemented with proper amount of concentrate after returning to grazing in cold season could improve the energy and fat metabolic capacity,enhance the synthesis of liver protein,improve the immunity and antioxidant capacity of the body,and regulate the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus of Oura-type Tibetan sheep.     

冷季牧归补饲精料对高海拔地区藏系绵羊血液生化指标的影响

选取9月龄欧拉型藏系绵羊羯羊（30.21 kg±1.42 kg）40只,随机分为4组,A组冷季放牧,B、C和D组冷季牧归每天每只分别补饲0.10、0.20和0.30 kg混合精料,试验期210 d,研究冷季牧归补饲精料对其血清生化指标的影响。结果表明,补饲精料提高了欧拉型藏系绵羊血清总蛋白（TP）、白蛋白（ALB）、球蛋白（GLB）、钙（Ca）的含量,钙/无机磷（Ca/IP）比值及肌酸激酶（CK）、乳酸脱氢酶（LDH）、谷草转氨酶（AST）、谷丙转氨酶（ALT）和γ-谷氨酰胺基转移酶（GGT）活性;随着精料补饲量增大,绵羊血清葡萄糖（GLU）、胆固醇（CHO）和甘油三酯（TG）含量,超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）和过氧化氢酶（CAT）活性,生长激素（GH）、胰岛素样生长因子-1（IGF-1）、缩胆囊素（CCK）、胃泌素及免疫球蛋白A（IgA）、免疫球蛋白G（IgG）及免疫球蛋白M（IgM）的浓度增大,但补饲0.30 kg组试验羊IgG浓度较C组略有下降（P>0.05）;与A组相比,补饲精料显著提高了试验羊碱性磷酸酶（AMP）活性、尿素氮（BUN）浓度和BUN/CRE的值,显著降低肌酐（CRE）和尿酸（UA）浓度（P<0.05）。综合上述结果,冷季归牧后补饲适量精料可改善欧拉型藏系绵羊能量和脂肪的代谢能力,增强肝脏蛋白合成,提高机体免疫力和抗氧化力,调节钙磷代谢。     

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.     

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.     

Biochemical abnormalities observed in serum of dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw (Poland)

Biochemical abnormalities observed in canine babesiosis are related to the severity of the disease. The primary biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs are: increase of the serum activity of transaminases and alkaline phosphatase, azotemia, and hypoglycemia. The purposes of this study were: 1) to estimate biochemical abnormalities in dogs infected with large Babesia in Warsaw and 2) to evaluate statistically changes observed during canine babesiosis in dogs from Warsaw. Samples of serum were collected from dogs naturally infected with large Babesia. Among 2023 positive samples, 202 were randomly selected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total serum protein (TSP), albumin and blood glucose concentration were determined with a clinical chemistry analyser. Elevated activity of ALT, AST and ALP was detected accordingly in: 64.9, 92.6 and 31.7% of dogs. Elevated creatinine concentration and BUN were detected accordingly in 30.7 and 62.4% of dogs. Decrease of TSP, albumin, BUN, and hypoglycemia was detected accordingly in: 19.8, 32.7, 1.5 and 18.3% of dogs. The most common biochemical abnormalities found in affected dogs were: increase of activity of transaminases and ALP, elevated creatinine concentration, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglycemia. These abnormalities resulted from hepatopathy, renal failure and fasting.     

Serum liver enzyme activities in healthy Miniature Schnauzers with and without hypertriglyceridemia

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether hypertriglyceridemia in healthy Miniature Schnauzers is associated with high serum liver enzyme activities. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. ANIMALS: 65 Miniature Schnauzers with serum triglyceride concentrations within the reference range (group 1), 20 Miniature Schnauzers with slightly high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 2), and 20 Miniature Schnauzers with moderately to severely high serum triglyceride concentrations (group 3). PROCEDURES: Questionnaires regarding each dog's medical history were completed, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and G-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activities were measured. RESULTS: Median serum ALP activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 or 2 dogs, but was not significantly higher in group 2 than in group 1 dogs. Median serum ALT activity was significantly higher in group 3 than in group 1 dogs, but was not significantly different between any of the other groups. Compared with group 1 dogs, group 2 and 3 dogs were significantly more likely to have high serum ALP activity (odds ratio, 26.2 and 192.6, respectively). Group 3 dogs also were significantly more likely to have high serum ALT activity (odds ratio, 8.0), serum AST activity (odds ratio, 3.7), and serum GGT activity (odds ratio, 11.3), compared with group 1 dogs. Group 3 dogs were significantly more likely (odds ratio, 31.0) to have > or = 2 high serum liver enzyme activities than were group 1 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that moderate to severe hypertriglyceridemia was associated with high serum liver enzyme activities in Miniature Schnauzers.     

Hematocrit and plasma chemistry values in adult collared scops owls (Otus lettia) and crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela hoya)

In this study, we report hematocrit and plasma chemistry values for adult captive collared scops owls (Otus lettia) and crested serpent eagles (Spilornis cheela hoya). In particular, we address the gender-specific differences within these values. We measured hematocrit (HCT) and plasma chemistry values for uric acid (UA), plasma urea nitrogen (BUN), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), glucose (GLU), cholesterol (CHO), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), creatine (CRE), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), amylase (AMY), calcium (CA), ionic phosphorous (IP) and sodium (NA), potassium (K) and chloride ions (CL) in 37 adult captive collared scops owls and 39 adult captive crested serpent eagles. Significant differences between the sexes were found for UA, GLU and CPK in the collared scope owls. UA and GLU concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.01 and P<0.05) among males than females, while the CPK concentration was significantly lower (P<0.05) in males. There were no significant differences in of all of the measured parameters between male and female eagles. These finding suggested that HCT and plasma chemistry values of raptors vary individually according to species and sex. Our results provide the 1st available reference data for ranges of plasma values in adult captive collared scops owls and crested serpent eagles, making them a potentially useful complementary diagnostic tool for veterinary care of individuals for both species in captivity.