1
|
van den Heever L, Naidoo V, Coetzer T, Eyssen L, Hewlett J, Smit-Robinson HA, McKechnie AE. Sub-lethal impacts of lead poisoning on blood biochemistry, immune function and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity in Cape (Gyps coprotheres) and white-backed (G. africanus) Vulture chicks. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 245:117926. [PMID: 38104912 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2023.117926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Although the prevalence of lead poisoning in southern Africa's Gyps vultures is now well-established, its finer physiological effects on these endangered species remain poorly characterised. We evaluated the sub-lethal impact of acute lead exposure on Cape and White-backed Vulture chicks from two breeding colonies in South Africa, by analysing its possible effects on key blood biochemistry parameters, immune function, packed cell volume and δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity. All 37 White-backed Vulture nestlings sampled displayed elevated lead levels (>10 μg/dL), and seven had blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Eight of 28 Cape Vulture nestlings sampled had blood [Pb] exceeding background exposure, with one showing blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (δ-ALAD) activity was significantly and negatively related to blood [Pb] in nestlings from both species, with 50% inhibition of the enzyme predicted to occur at blood [Pb] = 52.8 μg/dL (White-backed Vulture) and 18.8 μg/dL (Cape Vulture). Although no significant relationship was found between % packed cell volume (PCV) and blood [Pb], the relatively lower mean PCV of 32.9% in White-backed Vulture chicks, combined with normal serum protein values, is likely indicative of depression or haemolytic anaemia. The leukogram was consistent in both species, although the presence of immature heterophils suggested an inflammatory response in White-backed Vulture chicks with blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL. Values for cholesterol, triglycerides, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, albumin/globulin ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were consistent with values previously reported. Calcium and phosphorus concentrations suggested no adverse effects on bone metabolism. A significant decrease in urea: uric acid (U:UA) ratio at blood [Pb] >100 μg/dL in White-backed Vulture chicks, brought about by a decrease in urea production, raises the possibility of hepatic abnormality. These results suggest that δ-ALAD activity may serve as a sensitive biomarker of lead toxicity in both species, while highlighting the need to better understand the significant variability in sensitivity that is observed, even between closely related members of the same genus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda van den Heever
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
| | - Vinny Naidoo
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Theresa Coetzer
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Lauren Eyssen
- Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
| | - Jennie Hewlett
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Hanneline A Smit-Robinson
- Conservation Division, BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg, South Africa; Applied Behavioural Ecological & Ecosystem Research Unit (ABEERU), UNISA, Florida, South Africa
| | - Andrew E McKechnie
- DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence at the FitzPatrick Institute, Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa; South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jimenez-Cortes A, Boassi S, Cañon-Jones H. Determination of Haematological Reference Values for Tucúquere ( Bubo magellanicus) Habiting in Central Chile. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3000. [PMID: 37835606 PMCID: PMC10571869 DOI: 10.3390/ani13193000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tucuquere (Bubo magellanicus) is an owl inhabiting Chile, which is classified as a species of agricultural interest, but its current conservation status is not well defined. The determination of previously unknown haematological ranges via laboratory techniques for species analysis is of great importance in the search for diagnoses in clinical veterinary work. Thirty-three samples from healthy tucuquere were obtained from zoos and rehabilitation centres in central Chile and analysed using standard laboratory techniques to obtain reference values that were determined according to the standard recommendations for animal species. The mean, standard deviation, maximum, and minimum reference limits were calculated at 95% and 97.5% error. These results differ from those of other studies, especially in terms of the white blood cells because most of the values were lower than those described for the species. These results could be explained by the habitat and location from which the samples were taken, and they corroborate the need to obtain reference values for different geographical areas. This study provides useful haematological values for use in conservation medicine and zoos and highlights the importance of carrying out these studies in different geographical areas for species of ecological interest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Jimenez-Cortes
- Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile (S.B.)
| | - Sergio Boassi
- Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile (S.B.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Agropecuarias, Universidad del Alba, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Hernan Cañon-Jones
- Núcleo de Investigación Aplicada en Ciencias Veterinarias y Pecuarias, Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Agronomía, Universidad de Las Américas, Santiago 7500975, Chile (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hiebert K, Reich S, Allender MC. Evaluation of the Agreement Between 2 Point-Of-Care Glucometers and a Laboratory Automated Analyzer in North American Raptors. J Avian Med Surg 2022; 36:278-286. [DOI: 10.1647/21-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
4
|
Kordestani H, Abdi‐Hachesoo B, Bakhshaei F, Safaeian S, Nazifi S. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters of the captive long‐legged buzzard (
Buteo rufinus
) in Iran. Vet Med Sci 2022; 8:1958-1964. [PMID: 36005906 PMCID: PMC9514470 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hesamodin Kordestani
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine Shiraz University Shiraz Iran
| | - Bahman Abdi‐Hachesoo
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine Shiraz University Shiraz Iran
| | - Farnoosh Bakhshaei
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine Shiraz University Shiraz Iran
| | - Shirin Safaeian
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine Shiraz University Shiraz Iran
| | - Saeed Nazifi
- Department of Clinical Studies School of Veterinary Medicine Shiraz University Shiraz Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Torii EH, Wünschmann A, Armién AG, Mor SK, Chalupsky E, Kumar R, Willette M. Adenoviral infection in 5 red-tailed hawks and a broad-winged hawk. J Vet Diagn Invest 2022; 34:796-805. [PMID: 35762098 DOI: 10.1177/10406387221105240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Adenoviral infections among raptors are best described in falcons and are characterized most commonly by necrotizing hepatitis and splenitis; only one case has been reported in a hawk. Five red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) and a broad-winged hawk (Buteo platypterus) had an adenoviral infection based on history, histopathology, negative-stain electron microscopy, and PCR. All birds had acute onset of illness resulting in death; 3 had evidence of a concurrent bacterial infection. Microscopically, all 6 birds had solitary, pale eosinophilic-to-amphophilic, intranuclear inclusion bodies within presumed hematopoietic cells in bone marrow and macrophages in spleen. Five of the 6 birds had similar inclusions within hepatocytes and Kupffer cells. All but one bird had severe bone marrow necrosis. There was moderate splenic necrosis (3 of 6) and mild-to-marked hepatic necrosis (4 of 6). Negative-stain electron microscopy demonstrated adenoviral particles in bone marrow (5 of 6), liver (1 of 5), and/or spleen (1 of 5). PCR was positive for adenovirus in bone marrow (3 of 5), liver (1 of 3), spleen (4 of 6), and/or intestinal contents (2 of 3). Viral DNA polymerase gene sequences clustered within the Siadenovirus genus. There was 99% nucleotide identity to one another and 90% nucleotide identity with the closest related adenovirus (Harris hawk, EU715130). Our case series expands on the limited knowledge of adenoviral infections in hawks. The splenic and hepatic necrosis, and particularly the hitherto unreported bone marrow necrosis, suggest that adenoviral infection is clinically relevant and potentially fatal in hawks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma H Torii
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Arno Wünschmann
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Anibal G Armién
- California Animal Health & Food Safety Laboratory System, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sunil K Mor
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Emma Chalupsky
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Willette
- The Raptor Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zaremba U, Kasprzykowski Z, Kondera E. The Influence of Biological Factors on Haematological Values in Wild Marsh Harrier ( Circus aeruginosus) Nestlings. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11092539. [PMID: 34573505 PMCID: PMC8472711 DOI: 10.3390/ani11092539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Haematological examination can be used to address the health state of birds. The present study aimed to investigate how hatching order, brood size, and nest initiation date influence the haemoglobin level, red blood cell count, white blood cell count, and glucose level in the blood of raptor nestlings in which brood reduction occurs during nestling rearing. Blood samples were collected to assess the health status of wild marsh harrier nestlings in the agricultural landscape of eastern Poland. Statistical analyses revealed that hatching order, but not brood size or nest initiation date, had an impact on the haematological data of nestlings. Hatching order affected these data in that haemoglobin levels and red blood cell counts gradually decreased, whereas glucose levels and white blood cell counts increased, from the first- to the last-hatched nestlings. The poor condition of the youngest nestlings reflected in these indices may increase the likelihood of their perishing, and consequently, of brood reduction. Abstract Marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is a species with obligatory cainism, in which hatching asynchrony creates a pronounced size hierarchy in nestlings. The size-related competitive advantage of older nestlings means that they tend to dominate the younger ones, and brood reduction occurs in most nests. The aim of the study was to reference values and carry out a haematological examination in order to evaluate the physiological status and health of nestlings with respect to hatching order, brood size, and nest initiation date. To do so, we examined 19 nests with a total of 58 nestlings from a free-living population of this species located in fishpond complexes in the agricultural landscape of eastern Poland. Repeated blood samples (118 in all) were collected from nestlings. The following parameters were measured using fresh full blood: red blood cell count (RBC), haemoglobin level (Hb), white blood cell count (WBC), and plasma glucose level (Glu). The data were analysed using generalized linear mixed models and linear mixed models ((G)LMM). The study revealed that hatching order, but not brood size or nest initiation date, affected the physical condition of marsh harrier nestlings. Hb levels and RBC counts gradually decreased, whereas Glu levels and WBC counts increased from the first- to the last-hatched nestlings. This result points to the generally poorer condition of the youngest nestlings compared with their older siblings. The poor physiological condition of the youngest nestlings may consequently increase the likelihood of their perishing, and hence, of brood reduction.
Collapse
|
7
|
McCabe KA, Rendle M, Harsch S, Lumbis R. Prognostic Indicators of Avian Survival. J Avian Med Surg 2021; 34:243-249. [PMID: 33099977 DOI: 10.1647/1082-6742-34.3.243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether blood glucose, packed cell volume, and total protein are effective diagnostic tests to predict short-term (48 h following admittance to a veterinary hospital) prognosis for wild birds with traumatic injuries. The cohort study conducted for this investigation took place at the Jivdaya Charitable Trust in Ahmedabad, India, over a 7-d period, at the time of the International Kite Flying Festival of Uttarayan. A small blood sample was collected from every avian patient prior to surgical treatment and immediately analyzed. Patient outcome was reviewed and recorded at the end of a 48-h period following admittance to the veterinary hospital. Statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between blood glucose levels (P = .24), packed cell volume (P = .80), or total protein levels (P = .47) outside the reference intervals and short-term outcome of the patients. There is a lack of evidence regarding the use of these diagnostic tests to ascertain short-term prognosis in avian species. While research has been conducted on avian wound healing, studies fail to identify any correlation between duration of injury and patient outcome. Despite a lack of statistically significant results from this study, the findings should not be dismissed and could be used as a basis for future studies on this subject.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiana A McCabe
- Parkvets Veterinary Hospital, Sidcup, Kent, DA14 5HB, UK
| | - Matthew Rendle
- Holly House Veterinary Hospital/Arks Referrals, Leeds, LS17 6HA, UK
| | - Stefan Harsch
- Mississippi Wildlife Rehab Inc, Lake Cormorant, MS 38641, USA
| | - Rachel Lumbis
- Royal Veterinary College, Department of Clinical Science and Services, North Mymms, Hatfield, AL9 7TA, UK,
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bueno I, Anderson G, Willette M, Redig PT, Ponder J. Distraction Osteogenesis in Two Wild Raptors. J Avian Med Surg 2020; 33:427-436. [PMID: 31833312 DOI: 10.1647/2018-384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Distraction osteogenesis was used in 2 wild raptor patients for the repair of tibiotarsal fractures. The first case was a hatching year female peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) admitted with an open oblique right distal tibiotarsal fracture. The fracture was surgically managed with the external skeletal fixator intramedullary pin tie-in technique (ESF-IM pin tie-in). Appropriate healing of the fracture site occurred with the ESF-IM pin tie-in. However, there was significant pelvic limb shortening of the affected leg, and the bird consequently developed pododermatitis on the contralateral foot. The second case was an adult female great horned owl (Bubo virginianus) that was admitted with a closed, partially healed, overriding right tibiotarsal fracture. Because of the advanced stage of this fracture, which presented with a fibrous callus, and the already apparent pelvic limb shortening, the ESF-IM pin tie-in was not used. Both patients were fitted with a circular external skeletal fixator (CESF), and distraction osteogenesis was performed until the length of the pelvic limb was deemed anatomically adequate. It is critical that rehabilitated raptors be released without any physical conditions that may reduce their ability to survive and reproduce in the wild. Pelvic limb shortening can potentially predispose a raptor patient to pododermatitis, even with fatal consequences, in both captive and wild environments. The orthopedic technique used here proved useful to repair the limb shortening in both raptor cases, and each bird fully recovered and was released.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Bueno
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Gregory Anderson
- Animal Emergency and Referral Center of Minnesota, North Oakdale, MN 55128, USA
| | | | - Patrick T Redig
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota., St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Julia Ponder
- The Raptor Center, University of Minnesota., St Paul, MN 55108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Salakij C, Kasorndorkbua C, Pornpanom P, Salakij J, Jakthong P. Quantitative and qualitative characteristics of blood cells in black‐shouldered, Brahminy, and black kites. Vet Clin Pathol 2019; 48:19-30. [DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chaleow Salakij
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
| | - Chaiyan Kasorndorkbua
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
- Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
| | - Pornchai Pornpanom
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
| | - Jarernsak Salakij
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
| | - Pattarapong Jakthong
- Kasetsart University Raptor Rehabilitation Unit, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Kasetsart University Kamphaeng Saen, Nakorn Pathom Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Multifocal respiratory and vertebral mycobacteriosis in a red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). J Zoo Wildl Med 2015; 46:150-4. [PMID: 25831590 DOI: 10.1638/2013-0247r4.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
An adult, female, free-ranging red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) was presented to a rehabilitation facility for an inability to stand. On examination, it displayed bilateral exaggeration of the pelvic limb reflexes with extensor muscle rigidity, intact superficial pain response, and positive withdrawal reflexes. A complete blood count identified moderate leukocytosis characterized by moderate heterophilia. No abnormalities were appreciable on radiographic evaluation. After initial improvement, it regressed and was euthanized 27 days after presentation. Necropsy and histologic investigation identified reduction in the diameter of the vertebral canal and spinal cord at cervical segments 8-9 with coalescing granulomas and intralesional acid-fast bacilli within the intertrabecular space, left side of the clavicular air sac, and cranial left lung. Bacterial culture and genetic sequencing from respiratory lesions identified Mycobacterium avium avium. Real time-polymerase chain reaction of paraffin-fixed spinal tissue tested positive for M. avium complex. Mycobacteriosis should be considered when peripheral neurologic deficits are present in raptors.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ammersbach M, Beaufrère H, Gionet Rollick A, Tully T. Laboratory blood analysis in Strigiformes-Part I: hematologic reference intervals and agreement between manual blood cell counting techniques. Vet Clin Pathol 2015; 44:94-108. [PMID: 25627556 DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While hematologic reference intervals (RI) are available for multiple raptorial species of the order Accipitriformes and Falconiformes, there is a lack of valuable hematologic information in Strigiformes that can be used for diagnostic and health monitoring purposes. OBJECTIVES The objective was to report RI in Strigiformes for hematologic variables and to assess agreement between manual cell counting techniques. METHODS A multi-center prospective study was designed to assess hematologic RI and blood cell morphology in owl species. Samples were collected from individuals representing 13 Strigiformes species, including Great Horned Owl, Snowy Owl, Eurasian Eagle Owl, Barred Owl, Great Gray Owl, Ural Owl, Northern Saw-Whet Owls, Northern Hawk Owl, Spectacled Owl, Barn Owl, Eastern Screech Owl, Long-Eared Owl, and Short-Eared Owl. Red blood cell count was determined manually using a hemocytometer. White blood cell count was determined using 3 manual counting techniques: (1) phloxine B technique, (2) Natt and Herrick technique, and (3) estimation from the smear. Differential counts and blood cell morphology were determined on smears. Reference intervals were determined and agreement between methods was calculated. RESULTS Important species-specific differences were observed in blood cell counts and granulocyte morphology. Differences in WBC count between species did not appear to be predictable based on phylogenetic relationships. Overall, most boreal owl species exhibited a lower WBC count than other species. Important disagreements were found between different manual WBC counting techniques. CONCLUSIONS Disagreements observed between manual counting techniques suggest that technique-specific RI should be used in Strigiformes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Ammersbach
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Molina-López RA, Casal J, Darwich L. Prognostic indicators associated with early mortality of wild raptors admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Spain. Vet Q 2014; 35:9-15. [PMID: 25443779 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2014.985856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of the prognostic indicators of wildlife casualties is critical in wildlife rehabilitation practice, to optimize the use of economical resources, and to protect animal welfare. Few studies have been conducted in this field. OBJECTIVE To identify the prognostic indicators associated with raptor mortality during the first week of hospitalization. ANIMALS AND METHODS Complete medical records of 1722 wild raptor cases admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre from 1995 to 2007 were used. Regression models were created to determine mortality-related factors for different variables (order, sex, body condition (BC), clinical signs, and available haematological and biochemical parameters). RESULTS In the bivariate analysis, the presence of nervous (OR = 11.9, 95%CI:5.1-27.6) or musculoskeletal (OR = 12.1, 95%CI:5.8-25.3) signs, a poor BC (OR = 32.9, 95%CI:19-81.2), and low values of packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin or total solids (TS), were all associated with early mortality. After adjusting variables in the multivariate model, BC was excluded due to co-linearity with other variables, and alteration of the nervous system was the only significant risk factor (OR = 4.0; 95%CI:1.9-8.8). In species specific analysis, poor prognosis was related to neurological signs in Athene noctua, poor BC in Strix aluco, trauma in Acciptiter nisus and Tyto alba, low PCV in Buteo buteo and Falco tinnunculus and low TS in Falco tinnunculus. CONCLUSIONS Raptors with a poor BC, low values of PCV and those presenting with neurological signs, had the highest risk of dying in the first days of admittance. Thus, either medical care or humane euthanasia for poor prognosis should be performed to address animal welfare.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Molina-López
- a Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa , Catalan Wildlife-Service, Forestal Catalana , Santa Perpètua de Mogoda , Spain
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Molina-López RA, Casal J, Darwich L. Final disposition and quality auditing of the rehabilitation process in wild raptors admitted to a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Catalonia, Spain, during a twelve year period (1995-2007). PLoS One 2013; 8:e60242. [PMID: 23613722 PMCID: PMC3629073 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0060242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Variability in reporting and classification methods in previous published data of the final dispositions in the rehabilitation of wild raptors makes use of this data limited in trying to audit the quality of the rehabilitation process. Crude as well as stratified disposition rates are needed if quality auditing of the rehabilitation process is to be adequately performed. Methodology Final dispositions of 6221 hospitalized wild raptors admitted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre (WRC) of Catalonia during 1995–2007 were analyzed. These dispositions were calculated as the euthanasia (Er), unassisted mortality (Mr), release (Rr) and captivity rates (Cr)., time to death (Td) for dead and euthanized raptors, and length of stay for released (Tr) raptors was estimated. Stratified analyses by main causes of admission and clinical signs were performed. Results The disposition for the total population were: Er = 30.6%, Mr = 19.1%, Rr = 47.2%, and Cr = 3%. By main causes of admission, Er was higher in the trauma category (34.2%), whereas Mr was found similar between trauma (37.4%) and non-trauma categories (34.8%). The highest Rr was observed for the orphaned group (77.9%). Furthermore, Cr was low in all the categories (<4%). By clinical signs, the highest Er was found in animals suffering musculoskeletal (37.9%) or skin (32.3%) lesions; Mr was high in infectious/parasitic diseases (66.7%) and in case of neurological symptoms (64.5%). The euthanized birds had a median Td = 1 day (P10 = 0-P90 = 59) for both trauma and non-trauma categories, and Td = 36 days for the orphaned young group (P10 = 0; P90 = 596). The median Td in the unassisted dead birds was 2 days for all the categories (P10 = 0-P90 = 31). Finally, the median Tr in the centre was variable among categories. Conclusions/Significance Reporting of final dispositions in wildlife rehabilitation should include the crude and stratified rates (Er, Mr, Rr, and Cr), by causes and clinical presentation, as well as Td and Tr, to allow meaningful auditing of the rehabilitation process quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael A Molina-López
- Centre de Fauna Salvatge de Torreferrussa, Catalan Wildlife-Service-Forestal Catalana, Santa Perpètua de la Mogoda, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|