Seasonal hematology and serum chemistry of wild beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA

We collected blood from 18 beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas), live-captured in Bristol Bay, Alaska, USA, in May and September 2008, to establish baseline hematologic and serum chemistry values and to determine whether there were significant differences in hematologic values by sex, season, size/age, or time during the capture period. Whole blood was collected within an average of 19 min (range=11-30 min) after the net was set for capture, and for eight animals, blood collection was repeated in a later season after between 80-100 min; all blood was processed within 12 hr. Mean hematocrit, chloride, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase were significantly lower in May than they were in September, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, monocytes, phosphorous, magnesium, blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, and creatinine kinase were significantly higher. Mean total protein, white blood cell count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were significantly higher early in the capture period than they were later. No significant differences in blood analyte values were noted between males and females. Using overall body length as a proxy for age, larger (older) belugas had lower white blood cell, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts as well as lower sodium, potassium, and calcium levels but higher creatinine levels than smaller belugas. These data provide values for hematology and serum chemistry for comparisons with other wild belugas.     

Normal hematologic and serum biochemical reference intervals for juvenile wild turkeys

Blood samples taken from 48 4-mo-old wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopova silvestris) were used to establish reference intervals for hematology and serum chemistry values. The study was conducted during September and October 1996. Packed cell volume, total and differential white cell counts, total protein, albumin, glucose, calcium, uric acid, triglyceride concentrations, as well as aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities were assayed. Reference intervals from wild turkeys are similar to those reported for domestic turkeys.     

Hematology and plasma biochemistry reference range values for free-ranging desert tortoises in Arizona

Baseline values and ranges for 10 hematologic and 32 plasma chemistry parameters were analyzed for 36 free-ranging Sonoran desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizzi) collected in Yavapai and La Paz Counties (Arizona, USA) from 1990 to 1995. Tortoises were radio tagged from 1990 to 1994, and attempts were made to recapture them three times a year. Tortoises were weighed, measured, and chemically immobilized to collect blood for hematology and blood chemistry assessments. Tortoise biochemistry differed (P < 0.01) between sites and sexes and among seasons and years. Normal reference ranges for hematologic and plasma biochemistry parameters were determined. Seasonal and annual differences in hematology and blood chemistry were related to rainfall patterns, forage availability, and physiological condition.     

DIETARY AND SEASONAL INFLUENCES ON BLOOD CHEMISTRY AND HEMATOLOGY IN CAPTIVE HARBOR SEALS

It has become increasingly important to understand the relationship between dietary intake and blood chemistry and hematological profiles in pinniped populations, especially where nutritional stress has been implicated in population declines. Blood chemistry and hematology reference ranges have been commonly reported for both free‐ranging and captive harbor seals, but seasonal and dietary fluctuations are limited to only a few studies. We quantified changes in plasma metabolites and hematology values in captive harbor seals on different diets over two years. Of 29 blood chemistry and hematology variables examined in captive harbor seals, ALT, AST, GGT, creatinine, and BUN:creatinine were influenced by diet. BUN, Na⁺, Cl^?, Hct, and Hb were influenced by season. Diet did not affect hematology variables. While these data were collected on captive animals, we assume seasonal and dietary influences would be comparable in free‐ranging seals. According to this study, controlling for season during sampling becomes important when assessing blood chemistry values as an index of foraging status or health.     

Normal serum biochemical, hematological, and EKG parameters in anesthetized adult male Macaca fascicularis and Macaca arctoides

Selected serum enzymes, cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, uric acid, protein, albumin, bilirubin, BUN, hematology, and electrocardiograms (EKG) were obtained from adult male cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) and adult male stumptailed (Macaca arctoides) macaques. Serum alkaline phosphatase, uric acid, albumin, bilirubin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and monocytes were significantly lower in the cynomogus monkeys. This relationship was reversed for serum levels of triglycerides, phosphorus, red blood cell counts and lymphocytes. EKG analysis revealed significantly increased PR interval and QRS wave duration in the cynomolgus species. However, there were no differences in heart rate. Right axis deviation was common in both species.     

Body measurements, hematology, and serum chemistry values of the adult Cebus apella monkey

Body measurements, hematology, and serum chemistry values were studied in 40 captured male and female Cebus apella monkeys. Some significant dimorphism with male predominance was found. Significant differences were also found for hemoglobin and red cell volume between males and females. Differential white blood cell counts indicated a marked predominance of lymphocytes and high values of gamma globulin in both sexes.     

Seasonal variations in physiological indices of adult female white-tailed deer in Texas

Seasonal variations in blood chemistry, urine chemistry, fat reserves, and crude protein levels of rumen contents were determined for free-ranging adult female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann) in central Texas. Seasonal variations (P less than 0.05) existed for serum total protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratios, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase, creatinine, phosphorus, and sodium; and urinary urea/creatinine (U/C) ratios, rumen crude protein, the kidney fat index (KFI), femur marrow fat (FMF), and dressed weights. Variations in BUN, urinary U/C ratios, dressed weights, KFI, and FMF were attributed partially to the nutritional demands of late gestation and lactation.     

MORPHOMETRY, HEMATOLOGY, AND SERUM CHEMISTRY IN THE HAWAIIAN MONK SEAL (MONACHUS SCHAUINSLANDI)

We studied morphometric, hematology, and serum chemistry variables in 140 Hawaiian monk seals ( Monachus schauinslandi ) to establish normal baseline values for these variables among free-living seals. We compared seals at French Frigate Shoals (FFS), Midway Atoll (MID), and Pearl and Hermes Reef (PHR) because these subpopulations differ in their rates of population recovery. Dorsal standard length and axillary girth differed significantly between immature (1–4 yr old) and adult (≥5 yr old) seals among sex and island subgroups. Immature seals at FFS were shorter than those at MID and PHR; adult seals at FFS had smaller dorsal standard lengths and axillary girths compared to the other subpopulations. The differences in size were more pronounced among adult females. Significant differences were also found for hematology and serum chemistry variables among seals at FFS, MID, and PHR. Monk seals at FFS had an absolute lymphopenia and eosinopenia compared to those at MID and PHR, compatible with a stress response. Seals at FFS also had lower blood urea nitrogen than seals at PHR, and a lower plasma potassium than seals at MID or PHR. Monk seals had an absolute and relative eosinophilia compared to previously published values. Analysis of subpopulation differences is useful for population health assessment and for long-term monitoring of an endangered species.     

Hematology and serum biochemistry of captive swift foxes (Vulpes velox)

Blood samples were taken from 23 swift foxes (Vulpes velox) which were to be used in a reintroduction program. The foxes originated from two different captive breeding programs: one at the Calgary Zoo (CZ) and one at the Wildlife Reserve of Western Canada (WRWC). Several differences between swift fox and domestic canine hematology were seen, including an increased number of smaller red blood cells and lower absolute leukocyte counts in swift foxes. Serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase was higher than in the domestic canine normal range while serum creatinine values were lower. Hemoglobin, serum potassium, total protein, globulin in the two groups (CZ and WRWC) were statistically different as were male versus female mean corpuscular volume values.     

Long-term effects of human butyrylcholinesterase pretreatment followed by acute soman challenge in cynomolgus monkeys

Human serum butyrylcholinesterase (Hu BChE) was demonstrated previously to be an effective prophylaxis that can protect animals from organophosphate nerve agents. However, in most of those studies, the maximum dose used to challenge animals was low (<2x LD(50)), and the health of these animals was monitored for only up to 2 weeks. In this study, six cynomolgus monkeys received 75mg of Hu BChE followed by sequential doses (1.5, 2.0, 2.0x LD(50)) of soman 10h later for a total challenge of 5.5x LD(50). Four surviving animals that did not show any signs of soman intoxication were transferred to WRAIR for the continuous evaluation of long-term health effects for 14 months. Each month, blood was drawn from these monkeys and analyzed for serum chemistry and hematology parameters, blood acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BChE levels. Based on the serum chemistry and hematology parameters measured, no toxic effects or any organ malfunctions were observed up to 14 months following Hu BuChE protection against exposure to 5.5x LD(50) of soman. In conclusion, Hu BChE pretreatment not only effectively protects monkeys from soman-induced toxicity of the immediate acute phase but also for a long-term outcome.     

食蟹猴经股静脉导管长期给药方法的建立

目的建立一种可靠的食蟹猴经股静脉导管长期给药的方法.方法选取20只雄性食蟹猴,麻醉后经股静脉造口,插入静脉导管,将植入式通道与导管连接并将其埋植于背部皮下,通过与植入式通道相连的输液泵进行给药.分别于术前1周、术后1周及术后2周测定血常规、血凝、生化等值.结果全部动物都能完成为期3个月的给药,手术感染率、导管堵塞率较低,分别为10%和5%.术后两周89.5%的生理指标与术前相比,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).结论该实验采用的食蟹猴经股静脉插管并通过输液泵进行长期给药是一种安全、有效的方法,可广泛用于药理学及毒理学实验.     

Haematology and serum chemistry parameters of the pregnant rat

This study describes the baseline haematology and serum chemistry values found in non-pregnant, pregnant (gestational days [GD] 2-21) and lactating (postnatal days 1-9) Sprague Dawley rats (n = 3-10/day) from the NCTR breeding colony of Crl:COBS CD(SD)BR strain. Maternal body weights on GD0 ranged from 250 to 300 g. Multiple analytes were measured in both whole blood and serum of dams. Amniotic fluid, fetal serum, and postnatal pup serum analyte values were also acquired. Maternal blood was collected from the heart under subterminal carbon dioxide (CO2) anaesthesia. Most pregnant dam blood values were not appreciably different from values for non-pregnant dams until near term; near-term values for some analytes (red blood cells, haemoglobin, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, glucose, total bilirubin, sodium, and chloride) decreased but returned to near-normal values soon after delivery. The most dramatic change was a three-fold elevation of serum triglyceride levels near term with a subsequent decrease at birth. Most serum chemistry analytes measured in progeny increased after birth except for alkaline phosphatase, calcium and potassium levels which decreased.     

Hematological and serum chemistry values for Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx)

Blood samples obtained from 73 captive Arabian oryx (Oryx leucoryx) were analyzed for hematology and serum chemistry values. Compared with other data from this animal RBC, WBC, bilirubin and ASAT values are lower, but glucose, urea and uric acid values are higher.     

Physiology of aging among healthy,older bottlenose dolphins (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Tursiops truncatus</Emphasis>): comparisons with aging humans

Changes in hematological and serum chemistry values have been identified among older compared to younger humans. We hypothesized that healthy bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) 30 years and older may demonstrate similar clinicopathological changes with increasing age. Retrospective hematological and serum chemistry data generated from routine, fasted blood samples collected over 10 to 20 years among six healthy dolphins that lived at least 40 years were analyzed to (1) assess linear trends in blood variable values with increasing age, (2) compare mean blood values by older age categories (30–35 years, 36–40 years, and >40 years), and (3) compare the prevalence of clinically high or low blood values by older age categories. Absolute lymphocytes, serum globulins, and mean platelet volume increased linearly with increasing old age. Mean white blood cells, neutrophils, serum globulins, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, serum cholesterol, and serum triglycerides; and the prevalence of neutrophilic leukocytosis, hyperglobulinemia, and hypercholesterolemia, were more likely to be higher as geriatric dolphins got older. A linear decrease in serum albumin with increasing age was present for five of six animals. Serum creatinine decreased among dolphins older than 40 years compared to when they were 30–40 years old. Our study demonstrates that older dolphins have changes in hematological and serum chemistry values similar to those found in older humans. As such, bottlenose dolphins may serve as a useful comparative model for aging in humans. Further studies are needed to assess whether these changes are associated with negative health outcomes and whether targeted therapeutics can help improve quality of life among aging dolphins.     

Hematology and serum chemistry values in captive and wild pichis, Zaedyus pichiy (Mammalia, Dasypodidae)

As part of an ongoing study on the health status of pichis, Zaedyus pichiy (Mammalia, Dasypodidae), blood was collected under manual restraint from 72 free-ranging pichis captured in Mendoza Province, Argentina, between November 2001 and December 2006, and from 22 captive-kept pichis in January 2007. Reference values were established for hematology and serum chemistry. Pichis had lower leukocyte counts and higher mean corpuscular volumes than most other mammals. Blood values were similar for captive and wild pichis, and only a few significant differences were found among genders or age classes.     

Hematology and serum chemistry values in the beluga (Delphinapterus leucas)

Normal values and ranges for 31 clinical hematology and serum chemistry tests are reported for the beluga or white whale (Delphinapterus leucas). The values were collected over a 6-yr period from eight belugas maintained for display at Sea World (San Diego, California, USA) facilities and represent long-term evaluations for each animal in a controlled environment. They represent the first report for a number of serum chemistry values for the beluga. Normal values such as these provide an important data base from which to detect diagnostically important changes in health status for belugas in a zoological setting. They also establish a baseline from which to evaluate differences in normal values in free-ranging belugas and from which to diagnose disease problems in wild populations.     

Health status of young Alaska Steller sea lion pups (Eumetopias jubatus) as indicated by blood chemistry and hematology

Blood chemistry and hematology were examined in 238 Steller sea lion pups (Eumetopias jubatus) to assess the health status of pups <1 month of age. Failure of juvenile recruitment (possibly due to nutritionally or physiologically compromised pups) into breeding populations has been proposed as a cause of recent declines of this endangered species in Alaska. To identify potential correlations with areas of high population decline, blood chemistry data were considered for three areas: eastern Aleutian Islands (low rates of population decline to stable populations), Gulf of Alaska (high rates of decline), and Southeast Alaska (stable to increasing population). Southeast Alaska pups showed elevated ketone body concentrations (β-hydroxybutyrate, (β-HBA)) and depressed glucose levels when compared with animals from the Aleutian Islands and lower blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and glucose levels than pups in the Gulf of Alaska. Over 40% of the pups from Southeast Alaska had elevated β-HBA concentrations suggesting they underwent longer periods of fasting than seen in pups from other areas. Hematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin concentration (Hb) and water content of the blood exhibited typical mammalian relationships. In summary, blood chemistry and hematology data showed no indication that Steller sea lion pups <1 month old from areas of population decline were nutritionally compromised.     

Hematology and serum chemistry of harp (Phoca groenlandica) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) during the breeding season, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Canada

Standard hematologic and serum chemistry parameters were determined from 28 harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) and 20 hooded seals (Cystophora cristata) sampled from 6 March 2001 to 13 March 2001 during the breeding season. Whole blood was collected immediately postmortem from harp seal mother-pup pairs and from six hooded seal pups, and from live-captured adult hooded seals and three hooded seal pups; blood was analyzed within 24 hr at a local human hospital. A certified veterinary laboratory validated subsamples of whole blood and analyzed all serum chemistry parameters. Significant interlaboratory differences in mean values of packed cell volume (PCV) and mean cell volume (MCV) were found. Significant differences were found between samples from the five seal groups (adult male hooded seals, lactating female hooded seals, unweaned hooded seal pups; lactating female harp seals, and unweaned harp seal pups) for hematology and most serum chemistry parameters. In general, age-class influenced mean values of PCV, hemoglobin (HB), red blood cell (RBC) counts, MCV, mean cell hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and nucleated red blood cell (NRBC) counts per 100 leucocytes, but most age-related variations were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly lower mean values of HB, PCV, MCH, and MCHC than did other seal groups, and significantly lower mean RBC counts than did hooded seal pups. Mean NRBC counts per 100 leukocytes were more than three times higher in harp seal pups than in hooded seal pups, but this difference was not statistically significant. Mean MCV were significantly lower in harp and hooded seal pups compared to those of adult harp and hooded seals. Differences in hemograms between pup species were likely because of the precocious development of hooded seal pups, which are weaned within 4 days, compared to 12 days for harp seal pups. Among adult seal groups, male hooded seals had significantly higher mean values of PCV and HB than did female harp and hooded seals, and significantly higher mean RBC counts than did adult female hooded seals. Among adult females, mean values of MCH and MCHC were statistically higher in hooded seals than in harp seals. Adult female harp and hooded seals did not differ significantly in other RBC parameters and mean leukocyte counts. Mean values of glucose, blood urea nitrogen, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein, and albumin showed species-specific variations between adults and pups. Except for ALP, few significant differences in mean enzyme activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ALT, creatine kinase and gamma-glutamyltransferase were found between seal groups. Mean concentrations of electrolytes (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, and total carbon dioxide) varied with age class, but variations in potassium and magnesium were species specific. Harp seal pups had significantly higher mean phosphorus and potassium levels compared to other seal groups.     

Maternal metabolic abnormalities in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome at mid-pregnancy.

We report abnormal maternal laboratory parameters in twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) at mid-pregnancy. A retrospective chart review was undertaken of 109 patients with TTTS evaluated for placental laser surgery. Complete blood count (CBC), blood type and Rh factor, urine analysis and serum chemistry panel were obtained preoperatively, with the CBC and serum albumin repeated on the first postoperative day. The mean gestational age was 21.2+/-1.7 weeks. Initial abnormal values included hematocrit (32.1+/-3.0%), hemoglobin (11.0+/-1.03 g/dl), serum magnesium (1.71+/-0.17 mg/dl), total protein (6.08+/-0.55 g/dl) and albumin (3.06+/-0.34 g/dl). Despite minimal blood loss and conservative fluid replacement mean hematocrit, hemoglobin, and albumin were 27.3+/-2.74%, 9.3+/-0.94 g/dl and 2.56+/-0.23 g/dl, respectively on postoperative day one. Weight gain (8.0+/-5.5 lb.) and low urinary output were characteristic peri-operative events. Maternal hypoproteinemia and anemia occur in TTTS at mid-pregnancy. This may contribute independently to amniotic fluid production rates in the fetuses, and explain in part the maternal sensitivity to intravenous fluids in multiple pregnancy.     

Response of blood serum constituents to production of and recovery from a kwashiorkor-like syndrome in the young pig.

Twenty-six 3-week-old genetically obese pigs were fed in two experiments to determine the serum chemistry profile during severe protein malnutrition and repletion. Severe protein deficiency was produced in pigs fed the high-fat, low-protein diet (growth failure, rough hair, low serum total protein and albumin). In Experiment 1, blood was sampled from the anterior vena cava of each pig five times during depletion and three times during repletion to determine serum total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, albumin, glucose, Ca, inorganic P, Mg, Na, K, Cl, total bilirubin, urea N, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyltransferase. In Experiment 2, blood was sampled weekly for 8 weeks for serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, albumin, glucose, Ca, P, Mg and alkaline phosphatase. HDL-cholesterol was increased (P less than 0.01) and albumin was decreased (P less than 0.01) in protein-deficient pigs in both experiments. Creatinine, total bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were elevated in protein-deficient pigs compared with controls after 7 weeks of depletion. Inorganic P (P less than 0.01), Ca (P less than 0.01), and Mg (P less than 0.05) concentrations were depressed in protein-depleted pigs compared with controls in both experiments. After 8 weeks of repletion in Experiment 1, all elements except inorganic P were similar in the two groups. Short-term, severe, protein malnutrition affected lipid, electrolyte, and structural mineral metabolism and indices of liver function in the absence of parasites, diarrhea, and infection. The effects were reversed after 8 weeks of repletion. We conclude that the elevated serum cholesterol in protein deficiency is related primarily to an increase in the HDL fraction.