Hematologic and serum chemistry values of pen-raised coyotes.

Blood samples obtained from 48, eighteen-month-old pen-raised coyotes (Canis latrans) were analyzed for 32 hematologic and serum chemistry parameters. Mean, standard deviation, and range were established for each parameter. No differences attributable to sex were observed for any parameter. The reported hematologic and serum chemistry values establish non-fasting baseline values for pen-raised coyotes.     

Blood chemistry in southern elephant seal mothers and pups during lactation reveals no effect of handling

Serum clinical chemistry parameters were examined in lactating southern elephant seal Mirounga leonina mothers and their pups from the declining Macquarie Island population. There were significant changes in serum values from 2 to 21 days postpartum in both nursing mothers (increase: inorganic phosphate; decrease: creatinine, potassium, chloride, cholesterol, total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase) and suckling pups (increase: inorganic phosphate, globulin, cholesterol; decrease: albumin, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutamyl transferase; increase followed by decrease: triglycerides, iron). We found no evidence that changes were due to chronic stress effects caused by repeated chemical immobilisations (mothers) or physical restraint (pups): at late lactation, clinical chemistry values were similar for mother-pup pairs of a control group (not handled previously), moderate treatment group (previously handled twice) and high treatment group (previously handled three to four times). We were not able to detect differences in clinical chemistry values between mother-pup pairs distributed over two areas differing in the frequency of human visits. The clinical chemistry values presented here can serve as reference ranges to allow future comparison with other southern elephant seal populations to investigate factors, e.g. food limitation, suspected to be involved in population declines.     

Nutritional condition and serum biochemistry for free-living Swainson's Hawks wintering in central Argentina

We assessed the nutritional condition and established reference values for serum chemistry parameters in a long distance migrant bird of prey, the Swainson's Hawk (Buteo swainsoni), wintering in central Argentina. We analyzed serum concentration of urea, uric acid, cholesterol, and triglycerides and assessed age and sex related differences in these parameters. A body condition index was obtained from the resultant residuals of the regression of body mass and a morphometric measure. No statistical differences were observed among sex and age groups for urea, uric acid and triglyceride serum concentration. However, cholesterol concentration differed among male and female hawks, which could be related to the gain of body mass in wintering grounds at differential rates. The mean values of the four parameters were in the range of those recorded in the Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), indicating good nutritional condition of the population we studied. Forearm length was the morphometric variable that better correlated with body mass. The resultant body condition index was only correlated with triglyceride concentration, suggesting that this index could be valuable in future work dealing with the assessment of body fat storage in wintering and breeding hawks, as well as in stopover points on the migratory route.     

Haematology and blood chemistry of Cebus apella in relation to sex and age

An effective health care program entails the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of medical problems. A knowledge of baseline values in clinically normal individuals is essential for determining the limits between good health and disease and for understanding the changes produced by pathogenic agents. However, very little information is currently available concerning the blood chemistry and haematological values of different species of monkeys, particularly new-world primates. The values of some haematological and chemical parameters in Cebus apella were determined. The aim of the present work was to verify the effect of age and sex on normal blood values. Blood samples were collected once a year for two successive years from 36 monkeys living in large captive social groups. Significant differences between males and females were found for AST, GGT, urea nitrogen and creatinine, erythrocytes, haemoglobin and haematocrit. Significant differences between juveniles and adults were found for calcium, AST, alkaline phosphatase, inorganic phosphorus, glucose, neutrophils, lymphocytes and serum protein parameters.     

Reference intervals for some clinical chemical parameters in the marmoset (Callithrix jacchus): effect of age and sex

Reference intervals for some clinical chemistry parameters in the marmoset were calculated. The effects of age (250-300 days compared with 500-550 days) and sex on the values found was investigated. Alkaline phosphatase levels decreased with age, young males having higher plasma levels than young females, but no sex differences were discernible for older animals. Levels of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and sorbitol dehydrogenase were higher in older males than in younger females. Higher plasma iron levels were found in the males with increasing age. Age and sex effects for protein and albumin were interactive and further interpretation was therefore difficult. No significant age or sex effects were seen for cholinesterase, acetylcholinesterase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, malate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate amino transferase, alanine aminotransferase or bilirubin.     

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.     

Biochemistry and haematology values for the baboon (Papio hamadryas): the effects of sex, growth, development and age.

A retrospective study evaluated the influence of sex and age on plasma biochemistry and haematology parameters in a captive-bred colony of baboons. Over 1,140 ETDA and heparin blood samples were obtained from 160 clinically normal baboons between the ages of 11 months and 11 years. Data for these blood tests were analysed for the effects of sex, age and sex age interactions. Sex, age and sex age interactions were detected for many plasma biochemistry and haematological parameters. The reference range values for platelets, white-blood cells and mean corpuscular volume and plasma chloride, glucose, total protein and iron were higher (P < 0.01) and red blood cell, plasma sodium, potassium, total CO2, creatinine, urea, total bilirubin, albumin, alkaline phosphate, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase and phosphate were lower (P < 0.01) in the female compared to the male population. Sex age interactions (P < 0.05) were seen with haemoglobin, white blood cells, haematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, sodium, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphate, total bilirubin, total protein alkaline phosphatase, the liver enzymes and triglycerides. Plasma alkaline phosphatase was highest ( > 800 micro/l) in young juveniles of both sexes; creatinine was higher in older ( > 4 years) compared to younger baboons of the same sex (P < 0.05). Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were greater (P < 0.01) in young baboons compared to older animals.     

Hematological and serum chemistry profiles of free-ranging southern two-toed sloths in French Guiana.

Free-ranging southern two-toed sloths (Choloepus didactylus) were translocated during the flooding of a forest at a hydroelectric dam site in French Guiana. Over an 11 mo period blood samples were collected from 90 sloths (38 males, 52 females) in order to determine hematological and serum chemistry reference values. Mean values and range of values were calculated for 13 hematological and 21 serum chemistry parameters. Variations associated with sex, age and reproductive status were identified. Males had a significantly lower red blood cell count than females. Immature animals had more monocytes while adults had more neutrophils and higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride values were higher in young than in adult sloths but uric acid was lower. Lactating females showed lower red blood cells count and iron levels than non-lactating females. These profiles will help to provide reliable baseline data for medical evaluation of sloths.     

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.     

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.     

Hematological acs serum chemistry values for captive suni (Neotragus moschatus zuluensis)

Hematological and serum chemistry values were determined on single samples from 15 clinically healthy captive suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus zuluensis) in order to help establish the boundaries of normal physiological variation for this species. Statistically significant age-related variations were found for the numbers of red and white blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase. Differences related to sex included chloride, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and glucose. Comparisons of pregnant females to nonpregnant females revealed differences in creatinine and thyroxine. Phosphorus was significantly lower in nonlactating females when compared to lactating females. Mean values and coefficients of variation of suni data were compared to those of other artiodactylid species. Factors known to influence serum values—age, sex, and pregnancy—are discussed in relation to acceptable limits of variation.     

Normal hematologic and serum clinical chemistry values for captive chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

In the study reported here, reference intervals for hematologic and serum clinical chemistry variables in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) were developed and characterized. Data were collected longitudinally across a 10-year period for 86 subjects at the Primate Foundation of Arizona (PFA). Variables included nine standard hematologic and 25 standard serum clinical chemistry values. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for main effects by age and sex. In addition, PFA mean and range values were compared with those published for humans and six other chimpanzee colonies. The ANOVA results suggest an age effect on hematologic (mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, neutrophils) and serum clinical chemical (creatinine, total protein, globulin, tryglycerides, direct bilirubin, iron, (gamma-glutamyltransferase, alanine transaminase, creatine kinase) values. In addition, sex had a main effect on several variables (red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, uric acid and sodium concentrations, and aspartate transminase and creatine kinase activities); values for males were greater than those for females. Further, human and chimpanzee mean and range values often were indistinguishable from one another. However, changes in human and chimpanzee values associated with age differ and suggest that hematologic and serum clinical chemistry values may be differentially affected by physical and sexual maturation in humans and chimpanzees.     

Clinical chemistry and hematology values in a Caribbean population of African green monkeys

Background Hematology and clinical chemistry (HCC) reference values are critical in veterinary practice and in vivo pre‐clinical research, enabling detection of health abnormalities, response to therapeutic intervention or adverse toxicological effects, as well as monitoring of clinical management. Methods In this report, reference ranges for 46 HCC parameters were characterized in 331 wild‐caught and colony‐bred African green monkeys. Effects of sex, weight and duration of captivity were determined by one‐way analysis of variance. Results Significant sex differences were observed for several HCC parameters. Significant differences were also observed for select HCC variables between newly caught animals and those held in captivity for 1–12 months or longer. Conclusions Comparison of this data with other non‐human primate species and humans highlights similarities and disparities between species. Potential causes of interpopulation variability and relevance to the use of the African green monkey as a non‐human primate model are discussed.     

The hemogram,serum biochemistry,and electrolyte profile of the free-ranging Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)

Sixty-four male and 33 female free-ranging rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) from one of six social groups on the island of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico, were surveyed to establish normal values for the hemogram and serum biochemical and electrolytes for the colony. Mean values (± 1 SD) are reported by sex for each of three age groups (2–3, 4–9 and ≥ 10 years). All adult females (≥ 4 years) were pregnant. There were significant differences for a number of variables compared to the range reported in the existing literature, and among the age and sex groups in the sampled population.     

Effects of Short-Term Over-supplementation of Copper in Milk on Hematology,Serum Proteins,Weight Gain,and Health in Dairy Calves

Thirty-six calves were used in the present study. The animals were divided equally into three groups (control, test 1, and test 2). The three groups of calves were homogeneous for parity of dams, sex, and month of birth. From 14 days of age, in the test 1 group copper as copper sulfate (Merck Co, Germany) was added to each meal of milk at a rate of 10 mg/kg of milk for 14 days and in test 2 group copper as copper sulfate was added to each meal of milk at a rate of 20 mg/kg of milk for 14 days. Blood samples were taken by jugular venipuncture using disposable syringes at 14 (before Cu supplementation), 30, 60, and 80 days of age. Anticoagulated blood was used for CBC determination. Plane tubes were used for harvesting of serum and the amounts of total serum protein, albumin, iron, and copper were measured. Calves were weighted at birth and at the end of trial (day 80) and total gain and mean daily gain were calculated. Days of treatment for ill calves were also recorded during experiment. Group (treatment) had no significant effect on the amounts of measured parameters except MCH values (p < 0.05) which were significantly lower in test 1 group than other trial groups. Age (sampling time) had significant effects on the values of most measured parameters (p < 0.05) except WBC, lymphocyte, total protein, and fibrinogen. Significant interactions between sampling time and group were not seen for any of measured parameters. No significant differences were seen for total weight gain and mean daily gain between trial groups. Chi-square test revealed no significant difference for the days of treatment between trials groups.     

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.     

Hematological and biochemical reference intervals for wild caught Eurasian otter from Spain

Hematologic and serum chemistry reference intervals were determined from 33 wild caught Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra lutra) between November 1995 and May 1998 during a reintroduction project. Blood was obtained by jugular venipuncture after administration of ketamine and medetomidine. The mean, standard deviation, and range for 19 hematology parameters and 28 serum chemistry values are presented. There were no significant differences between sexes in most analytes. The results are in agreement with those reported previously for Eurasian otters with the exception of higher leukocyte and neutrophil counts, lower eosinophil and lymphocyte counts and higher activities for aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase. The Eurasian otters have lower erythrocyte counts but higher mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin values than the river otter (Lutra canadensis) in North America.     

Combined segregation and linkage analysis of genetic hemochromatosis using affection status, serum iron, and HLA.

Characterizing the distribution of parameters of iron metabolism by hemochromatosis genotype remains an important goal vis-à-vis potential screening strategies to identify individuals at genetic risk, since a specific marker to detect the abnormal gene has not been identified as yet. In the present investigation, we analyze serum iron values in ascertained families using a method which incorporates both segregation of the clinical affection status and the HLA linkage information to identify the underlying genotypes. The analysis is performed using an extension of the model presented by Bonney et al., comprising regressive models for segregation analysis and the multipoint linkage strategy implemented in LINKAGE. The gene was found to be completely recessive with respect to both clinical manifestations and serum iron abnormalities, with significant differences in expression by sex. Clinical manifestations were present for all male homozygotes in this data set, suggesting that the recessive hemochromatosis genotype is fully penetrant at all ages in males. This was not the case for younger females. Significant genotype-specific age and sex effects were found for serum iron values. It is interesting that deletion of the HLA marker information did not affect our ability to resolve the genetic model when we analyzed a bivariate phenotype. This serves as a reminder that a search for relevant biological markers can be equally important in discerning the genetic etiology of a disease trait, as a search for linked genetic markers.     

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.     

Serum chemistry of the wild caught karyotype I night monkey (Aotus nancymai).

Serum samples from 254 wild-caught Aotus nancymai were analyzed to determine the reference intervals for serum chemistry parameters in this species. Findings show values of total bilirubin, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, urea nitrogen, serum albumin, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase having a non-normal distribution. Based on nonparametric tests, significant differences between male and female values were observed for cholesterol, serum calcium, and gamma glutamic transpeptidase. Males were significantly heavier than females. The reference intervals presented were estimated by the nonparametric percentile method.