Hematologic and plasma biochemical values of Spix's macaws (Cyanopsitta spixii).
The Spix's macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii) is considered the world's most endangered parrot, with the last wild bird disappearing in 2001 and only 74 birds in captivity. To establish hematologic and plasma biochemical reference ranges and to look for differences relative to sex, age, and season, we obtained blood samples from 46 captive Spix's macaws (23 male, 23 female) housed in aviaries at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation in the State of Qatar. No significant differences in hematologic or plasma biochemical values were found between females and males. Adult and juvenile birds differed in mean concentrations of glucose, total protein, amylase, cholesterol, and phosphorus; in percentages of heterophils and lymphocytes; and in the absolute lymphocyte count. Total protein, cholesterol, and phosphorus concentrations; hematocrit; and heterophil and lymphocyte counts differed significantly by season. Baseline hematologic and plasma biochemical ranges were established, which may be useful as reference values for clinicians working with this highly endangered species.
Foldenauer
Ulrike
U
Clinic of Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr, 260, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland.
Borjal
Raffy Jim
RJ
Deb
Amrita
A
Arif
Abdi
A
Taha
Abid Sharif
AS
Watson
Ryan William
RW
Steinmetz
Hanspeter
H
Bürkle
Marcellus
M
Hammer
Sven
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000097:blood; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D010311:Parrots / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors