Hematologic, biochemical, and protein electrophoretic values in captive tawny owls (Strix aluco).

BACKGROUND: The tawny owl (Strix aluco) is a protected species in Italy. Orphaned, injured, and ill owls often are sheltered and treated in rehabilitation centers, where hematologic and biochemical analyses would be helpful to evaluate and monitor the status of their health. OBJECTIVES: The major aim of this work was to assess hematologic and biochemical constituents together with protein electrophoretic fractions in healthy tawny owls. In addition, we compared laboratory methods for determining hemoglobin (Hgb), total protein, and albumin concentrations. METHODS: Heparinized blood samples were collected from 10 clinically healthy adult captive tawny owls between March 2001 and November 2003 for CBC, routine biochemical analysis, and protein electrophoresis. Alternate methods for Hgb (estimation as HCT/3 vs spectrophotometry), total protein (biuret vs refractometry), and albumin (bromcresol green vs electrophoresis) concentrations were compared in 34 samples from 16 unhealthy adult owls and 8 nestlings. RESULTS: Results were reported as mean, median, and range (minimum-maximum). Significant differences and poor concordance were observed between methods for Hgb, total protein, and albumin. CONCLUSIONS: Hematologic and plasma biochemical values in captive tawny owls may be useful in evaluating and monitoring the health of this species in captivity.

Reference intervals for hematologic and biochemical constituents and protein electrophoretic fractions in captive common buzzards (Buteo buteo).

BACKGROUND: Increasing interest in wildlife care leads to the need for new tools to evaluate animal health. Laboratory investigations require reference intervals against which to compare the results obtained. For common buzzards, only a few studies have been performed to establish hematologic and biochemical reference intervals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this work was to develop reference values for routine hematologic and biochemical constituents and protein electrophoretic fractions and evaluate possible seasonal differences in values for healthy common buzzards. METHODS: Heparinized blood samples were collected from 23 captive, clinically healthy common buzzards between February 2001 and June 2003. A CBC, routine biochemical analysis, and protein electrophoresis were performed. Data distribution was assessed and results from birds sampled in spring, summer, and winter were compared. Results from alternative methods for hemoglobin (Hgb; estimated as HCT / 3 vs spectrophotometry), total protein (biuret vs refractometry), and albumin (bromcresol green vs electrophoresis) concentrations also were compared. RESULTS: Reference intervals were calculated as 10-90th percentiles. In spring and summer, total WBC and heterophil counts, and urea, total protein, prealbumin, and beta- and gamma-globulins concentrations were significantly different from winter values. Results obtained by alternative methods for Hgb, total protein, and albumin concentrations were significantly different from those obtained by standard methods, although estimated and spectrophotometric Hgb values were significantly correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The reference values obtained in this study for hematologic and plasma biochemical constituents and their seasonal variation in healthy, captive common buzzards will be useful in the clinical evaluation of these birds in rehabilitation settings.