Hematologic parameters in raptor species in a rehabilitation setting before release.
To be considered for release, raptors undergoing rehabilitation must have recovered from their initial injury in addition to being clinically healthy. For that purpose, a good understanding of reference hematologic values is important in determining release criteria for raptors in a rehabilitation setting. In this study, retrospective data were tabulated from clinically normal birds within 10 days of release from a rehabilitation facility. Hematologic values were compiled from 71 red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), 54 Eastern screech owls (Megascops asio), 31 Cooper's hawks (Accipiter cooperii), 30 great-horned owls (Bubo virginianus), 28 barred owls (Strix varia), 16 bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus), and 12 broad-winged hawks (Buteo platypterus). Parameters collected included a white blood cell count and differential, hematocrit, and total protein concentration. Comparisons were made among species and among previously published reports of reference hematologic values in free-ranging birds or permanently captive birds. This is the first published report of reference values for Eastern screech owls, barred owls, and broad-winged hawks; and the first prerelease reference values for all species undergoing rehabilitation. These data can be used as a reference when developing release criteria for rehabilitated raptors.
Wildlife Center of Virginia, PO Box 1557, Waynesboro, VA 22980, USA.
Peter A
PA
Black
David L
DL
McRuer
Leigh-Ann
LA
Horne
D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006400:Hematocrit; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary*; D020304:Raptors / Q000097:blood*; D012016:Reference Values; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013045:Species Specificity
D001798:Blood Proteins