Reference intervals in avian and exotic hematology

Assisted Enteral Feeding of Exotic Companion Animals

Malnutrition is a known concern during hospitalization for humans, dogs, and cats. The same nutrition principals to reduce the risk of malnutrition can be applied to exotic companion animal patients. However, it's important to understand that many nutritional requirements are ill defined for specific species and prudent clinical judgment is required.

Hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the captive long‐legged buzzard ( Buteo rufinus ) in Iran

Background

Although normal haematological and serum biochemical values for both pet and wild birds have been published, little information is available on the haematological and serum biochemical values in long‐legged buzzards (Buteo rufinus).

Objectives

This is the first study that aimed to define reference values of haematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions of long‐legged buzzards in Iran.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 30 clinically healthy adult long‐legged buzzards of both sexes. Hematological, biochemical parameters, and protein electrophoretic fractions were measured. The mean and standard deviations were calculated.

Results

Mean values for red blood cells, packed cell volume, haemoglobin, and white blood cells were 2.72 ± 0.60 ×10⁶/μl, 39.10 ± 3.70%, 13.45 ± 1.30 g/dl, and 3.92 ± 1.39 ×10³/μl, respectively. Mean values for biochemistry parameters were total protein 4.46 ± 1.27 g/dl, albumin 1.78 ± 0.55 g/dl, creatinine 0.54 ± 0.22 mg/dl, uric acid 7.81 ± 2.89 mg/dl, calcium 9.63 ± 2.22 mg/dl, phosphorus 4.31 ± 1.00 mg/dl, glucose 398.87 ± 96.90 mg/dl, blood urea nitrogen 10.46 ± 3.85 mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase 127.01 ± 1.46 IU/L, aspartate aminotransferase 262.22 ± 116.30 IU/L, and alanine aminotransferase 56.63 ± 27.85 IU/L. Mean values for serum protein fractions included pre‐albumin, albumin, α‐1 globulin, α‐2 globulin, β‐ globulin, and ϒ‐globulin was 0.20 ± 0.09, 2.35 ± 0.67, 0.28 ± 0.13, 0.32 ± 0.07, 0.62 ± 0.24, and 0.68 ± 0.53 g/dl, respectively.

Conclusion

The reference data presented in this study can be used as health assessment values for veterinary laboratories and clinicians when developing release criteria for rehabilitated long‐legged buzzards.

Practical Management of Iron Overload Disorder (IOD) in Black Rhinoceros (BR; Diceros bicornis)

Simple Summary

Black rhinoceros under human care are predisposed to Iron Overload Disorder that is unlike the hereditary condition seen in humans. We aim to address the black rhino caretaker community at multiple perspectives (keeper, curator, veterinarian, nutritionist, veterinary technician, and researcher) to describe approaches to Iron Overload Disorder in black rhinos and share learnings. This report includes sections on (1) background on how iron functions in comparative species and how Iron Overload Disorder appears to work in black rhinos, (2) practical recommendations for known diagnostics, (3) a brief review of current investigations on inflammatory and other potential biomarkers, (4) nutrition knowledge and advice as prevention, and (5) an overview of treatment options including information on chelation and details on performing large volume voluntary phlebotomy. The aim is to use evidence to support the successful management of this disorder to ensure optimal animal health, welfare, and longevity for a sustainable black rhinoceros population.

Abstract

Critically endangered black rhinoceros (BR) under human care are predisposed to non-hemochromatosis Iron Overload Disorder (IOD). Over the last 30 years, BR have been documented with diseases that have either been induced by or exacerbated by IOD, prompting significant efforts to investigate and address this disorder. IOD is a multi-factorial chronic disease process requiring an evidence-based and integrative long-term approach. While research continues to elucidate the complexities of iron absorption, metabolism, and dysregulation in this species, preventive treatments are recommended and explained herein. The aim of this report is to highlight the accumulated evidence in nutrition, clinical medicine, and behavioral husbandry supporting the successful management of this disorder to ensure optimal animal health, welfare, and longevity for a sustainable black rhinoceros population.

White blood cell count in birds: evaluation of a commercially available method

Background

To conduct a hematological analysis of avian blood samples, standard automated cell counting is unreliable because all avian blood cells are nucleated. Therefore, quantitative white blood cell counting in birds is still performed manually, whereby the Natt-Herrick method is widely used in veterinary laboratories. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new commercially available single test system for avian white blood cell counting, the Natt-Herricks-Tic®, which would allow easy in-house analysis by clinicians or technicians. A total of 40 avian ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) blood samples from 24 different species were included in the study. To assess method agreement, each blood sample was analyzed for total white blood cell count with the test method and the Natt-Herrick reference method. To determine the imprecision of the reference method and the Natt-Herricks-Tic® method, the noncorrected white blood cell count was determined ten consecutive times from one avian EDTA blood sample for each method.

Results

The Natt-Herricks-Tic® method performed well concerning staining quality and countability of the granulocytes by the hemocytometer. In the agreement study, the Natt-Herricks-Tic® method showed a small proportional systematic error with a small positive mean bias of 282 white blood cells/μL but had wide 95% limits of agreement (− 4683 cells/μL to 5227 cells/μL), indicating random error. The precision study resulted in a coefficient of variation of 16% for the Natt-Herricks-Tic® method (the mean ± standard deviation: 9.7 ×  10³/μL ± 1.5 × 10³/μL) and 23% (the mean ± standard deviation: 7.9 × 10³/μL ± 1.8 × 10³/μL) for the reference method.

Conclusions

The Natt-Herricks-Tic® method showed acceptable precision for a manual method and demonstrated good agreement with the reference method. It can be recommended as a reliable and suitable method for determining white blood cell counts in avian EDTA blood if nonstatistical quality control measures are used in the daily routine. The application of individual reference intervals for the interpretation of white blood cell counts in birds may improve the diagnostic performance of this important analyte in a clinical setting.

Haematological response in the treatment of naturally acquired ectoparasite infestations in rabbits

The objective of this study was to determine changes in haematological values of topical administration of selamectin in rabbits with at least one species of naturally acquired ectoparasite infestation (<em>Sarcoptes scabiei</em> var. <em>cuniculi</em>, <em>Psoroptes cuniculi</em>, or <em>Cheyletiella</em> spp). Thirty-five rabbits were enrolled. They underwent physical examination and assessment of ectoparasite infestations on days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 86. Blood for haematology and serum biochemistry was collected on days 0, 14, 28 and 56. Selamectin was topically applied at a dose of 15 mg/kg onto the skin on days 0, 14 and 28, respectively. No ectoparasites or eggs were found in these rabbits from day 28 onwards by skin scraping and/or tape cytology. Haematology and serum biochemistry values were within normal limit throughout the study. However, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio significantly decreased post-treatment from 2.89 (0.90-5.47) on day 0 to 1.38 (0.56-3.09), and 1.44 (0.42-4.47) on days 14 and 56, respectively. There were no adverse drug reactions or treatment-related mortalities during the study. This study indicated that selamectin was effective and safe in the treatment and prevent re-infestation for at least 58 d post-treatment. Moreover, the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio could be used for monitoring of inflammatory response in rabbits.

Reference Intervals for Plasma Biochemical Variables by Point-of-Care Testing in Captive Black-tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus)

Black-tailed prairie dogs (Cynomys ludovicianus) are kept in zoological collections, maintained as companion pets, and are tested in field and laboratory settings. Biochemical analysis for routine health and research purposes can be performed by using point-of-care (POC) testing; however, analyzer- and species-specific reference intervals need to be determined. In this prospective study, 50 captive-raised sexually intact prairie dogs (16 females, 34 males) underwent plasma biochemical analysis by using a veterinary POC biochemical analyzer. We used a manufacturer-predetermined profile of 14 analytes: albumin, ALP, ALT, amylase, BUN, calcium, creatinine, glucose, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, total bilirubin, total protein and globulin. A subset of 17 samples was tested concurrently for the same 14 analytes by using a reference laboratory analyzer, and we determined RI for the POC analyzer for these 14 biochemical analytes. Sex had a significant effect on albumin and creatinine values, which were higher in females than males, and on ALT, which was lower in females. In addition, age had an effect on 9 plasma analytes: juvenile animals had higher plasma concentrations of albumin, ALP, ALT, BUN, and glucose than adult animals, whereas adults had higher concentrations of creatinine, sodium, total protein, and globulins. Only calcium and BUN had acceptable analytical agreement between the POC and reference analyzers. The reference intervals determined in this study can aid clinicians and researchers performing POC plasma biochemical analysis in prairie dogs, providing that they consider potential analyzer-, sex-, and age-related effects.

Hematologic reference intervals for wild Black vultures (Coragyps atratus)

BACKGROUND

The Black vulture (Coragyps atratus) is the most common species of vulture and is widespread in all America. The species feeds on rotting carcasses, and large groups are frequently seen in urban areas, concentrating especially on rubbish dumps. Although C atratus is a very common species in some areas, little is known about its health in the wild.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine hematologic RIs of wild adult Black vultures.

METHODS

Blood samples were obtained from 70 wild Black vultures captured in São Paulo, Brazil. Hematologic values were determined using conventional techniques applicable to birds. Reference intervals were determined using an Excel program with Reference Value Adviser (version 2.0).

RESULTS

After statistical analysis, the following RIs were determined: HGB 8.5-12.5 g/dL, PCV 42.3-54.5%, MCV 203.2-402.6 fL, MCHC 17.4-26.2 g/dL, total solids 2.4-4.8 g/dL, RBC count 1.16-2.48 × 10⁶ /μL, WBC count 5.93-27.14 × 10³ /μL, heterophils 3.40-21.58 × 10³ /μL, lymphocytes 0.19-5.16 × 10³ /μL, eosinophils 0.0-3.07 × 10³ /μL, monocytes 0.0-1.49 × 10³ /μL, basophils 0.0-0.25 × 10³ /μL, and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio 1.3-36.9. Thrombocyte mean was 14.14 × 10³ /μL.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline hematologic data obtained in this study provide RIs that will be useful given that few studies have been carried out on the health of New World vultures.

PLASMA BIOCHEMISTRY AND HEMATOLOGY REFERENCE VALUES OF CAPTIVE PANTHER CHAMELEONS (FURCIFER PARDALIS) WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON SEASONALITY AND GENDER DIFFERENCES

Blood samples of 86 captive panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) were collected in January and August from the ventral coccygeal vein in order to establish reference intervals of clinical healthy individuals under similar husbandry conditions for plasma biochemistry and hematology for this species. Significant differences were found in phosphorus, glucose, total protein, albumin, and white blood cell count between males and females in both seasons. Calcium, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase varied in only one season between genders. Significant differences between summer and winter values were present in both genders for uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, glucose, total protein, creatine kinase, and albumin. Additionally, females showed seasonal variations for alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase whereas packed cell volume varied in males. Gravid females had significantly higher body weights and increased values for uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, alanine aminotransferase, total protein, and albumin. Cytomorphologic characteristics of blood cells in stained blood films were evaluated to serve as additional parameters for hematology.