IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Pastor, J.; Bach-Raich, E.; Mesalles, M.; Garc¡a, I.; Mart¡nez, F.; Vargas, A.; Cuenca, R.; Lav¡n, S. | |
| Haematological reference values for the Iberian lynx (Valores de referencia hematol¢gicos para el lince ib‚rico) | |
| 2009 Book Chapter | |
Determination of baseline haematological and biochemical values for a species is important for biological studies and for the interpretation of laboratory data. Without reference values, which comprises the results expected to be found in healthy individuals, the analytical values of a single animal would be very difficult to interpret. The information on haematological parameters previously available for the Iberian lynx (_Lynx pardinus_) was scarce. The main objectives of the present study included: 1) to establish haematological reference values for the Iberian lynx and 2) to assess whether there were significant variations on these values depending on factors such as sex, age (cub, young, subadults and adults), habitat condition (free-ranging, quarantine and prolonged captivity), capture method (box-trap, net, physical restrain, darting by blow pipe), origin (Do¤ana or Sierra Morena populations) and infection by Cytauxzoon sp. Haematological values were determined from 151 clinically healthy Iberian lynxes. Blood samples were obtained in EDTA and analysed as feline sample within the first 24h hours with an automated laser flow analyzer ADVIA 120. Blood smears were stained with Diff-Quick and evaluated by optical microscopy. Females present a lower red blood cell count than males. Age and capture method strongly affect the blood count, so they need to be considered when a reference range is given. The box trap method induces a stress leukogram; red blood cells, leukocytes and platelets counts from subadult animals and cubs showed the most important differences when compared to adult animals. In conclusion, the reference values obtained through this study can be used as general guidelines in the assessment of the health status of the Iberian lynx. |
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