title: Biochemical and haematological values for mute swans (Cygnus olor): effects of acute lead poisoning.
abstract: Reference levels of some biochemical and haematological variables were determined for mute swans (Cygnus olor Gmelin). Immaturity was identified as a factor which broadened the references ranges. Blood variables of six acutely lead-poisoned swans were determined and compared with the reference distribution. Protoporphyrin IX, cholesterol and two serum enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate amino-transferase, were increased; concentrations of haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration indicated hypochromic anaemia in birds with acute lead poisoning. The interpretation and diagnostic value of reference values is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Zoology, University College, Cork, Ireland.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: O'halloran
authors.forename: P F
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Duggan
authors.forename: A A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Myers