Baseline hematology and serum biochemistry results for Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca).

Arun Attur Shanmugam,Ajay Deshmukh,Manjunath Venkataravanappa,Anukul Nath,Sanath Krishna Muliya,Sujay Suresh,Pa Kalaignan,Lyju Jose

doi:10.14202/vetworld.2017.818-824

Arun Attur Shanmugam, Ajay Deshmukh + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2017.818-824

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Journal: Veterinary world	Publication Date: Jul 1, 2017
Citations: 6	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Jain University, Assam University

Abstract

Aim:The aim of the study was to establish the baseline hematology and serum biochemistry values for Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), and to assess the possible variations in these parameters based on age and gender.Materials and Methods:Hemato-biochemical test reports from a total of 83 healthy leopards, carried out as part of routine health evaluation in Bannerghatta Biological Park and Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, were used to establish baseline hematology and serum biochemistry parameters for the subspecies. The hematological parameters considered for the analysis included hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and MCH concentration. The serum biochemistry parameters considered included total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, calcium, and phosphorus.Results:Even though few differences were observed in hematologic and biochemistry values between male and female Indian leopards, the differences were statistically not significant. Effects of age, however, were evident in relation to many hematologic and biochemical parameters. Sub-adults had significantly greater values for Hb, TEC, and TLC compared to adults and geriatric group, whereas they had significantly lower MCV and MCH compared to adults and geriatric group. Among, serum biochemistry parameters the sub-adult age group was observed to have significantly lower values for TP and ALT than adult and geriatric leopards.Conclusion:The study provides a comprehensive analysis of hematologic and biochemical parameters for Indian leopards. Baselines established here will permit better captive management of the subspecies, serve as a guide to assess the health and physiological status of the free ranging leopards, and may contribute valuable information for making effective management decisions during translocation or rehabilitation process.

Highlights

Leopards are one of the widely distributed wild felids in the world, with nine subspecies found in varied habitats across their extent range [1]
Even though few differences were observed in hematologic and biochemistry values between male and female Indian leopards, the differences were statistically not significant
Sub-adults had significantly greater values for Hb, total erythrocyte count (TEC), and total leukocyte count (TLC) compared to adults and geriatric group, whereas they had significantly lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular Hb (MCH) compared to adults and geriatric group

Summary

Introduction

Leopards are one of the widely distributed wild felids in the world, with nine subspecies found in varied habitats across their extent range [1]. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http:// creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated. Incidences of human-leopard conflicts have seen a sharp rise in recent past in India, leading to casualties on both sides. This has, in turn, led to increased veterinary interventions in the species. A large population of Indian leopards exit in captivity maintained in almost all the Indian zoos [5]

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