Cytology of haematological cells of otariid seals indigenous to Australasian waters.
OBJECTIVE
To characterise the morphology of cells from the blood of otariid seals.


METHODS
Examination of blood by light and scanning electron microscopy.


RESULTS
Erythrocytes were typically discocytes. Leukocytes that were recognised included neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. The morphology varied little between species for neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes. Some variation between species was observed for eosinophils and basophils. Platelets were generally aggregated.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides a guide for the identification of cells from the blood of otariid seals.
Clark
P
P
Pathobiology section, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Boardman
W S
WS
Duignan
P J
PJ
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000166:cytology*; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D012016:Reference Values; D046048:Seals, Earless / Q000097:blood*