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Normal haematological values of African Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis)

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Abstract

This study evaluated the normal haematological profile of apparently healthy African grey squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis) trapped in Nsukka, Southeast Nigeria. A total of 20 squirrels comprising 8 males and 12 females were used and determination of haematological profile followed standard procedures. Results obtained for the parameters assessed are summarized as follows (mean ± standard error): packed cell volume, 37.54 ± 0.76 %; haemoglobin concentration, 14.79 ± 0.18 g/dl; red blood cell count, 7.27 ± 0.27 × 106/μl; mean corpuscular volume, 54.33 ± 1.09 fl; mean corpuscular haemoglobin, 21.74 ± 0.55 pg; mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, 37.39 ± 0.50 g/dl; white blood cell count, 4.77 ± 0.19 × 103/μl; neutrophil counts, 27.93 ± 1.36 %; lymphocyte counts, 67.80 ± 1.38 %; monocyte counts, 2.33 ± 0.29 %; eosinophil counts, 1.80 ± 0.26 %; basophil counts, 0.13 ± 0.09 % and body weight, 176.67 ± 3.55 g. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between the sexes in all the haematological parameters assessed. Results from this study was considered important as deviations in the normal haematology have a predictive value for general pathological changes in the body and may be useful in wildlife quarantine services and in active disease surveillance.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Veterinary Pathology, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, P. O. Box 3244, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria

    Christian O. Okorie-Kanu

  2. Department of Veterinary Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Remigius I. Onoja

  3. Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

    Onyinye J. Okorie-Kanu

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  1. Christian O. Okorie-Kanu
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  2. Remigius I. Onoja
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  3. Onyinye J. Okorie-Kanu
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Correspondence to Christian O. Okorie-Kanu.

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Okorie-Kanu, C.O., Onoja, R.I. & Okorie-Kanu, O.J. Normal haematological values of African Grey Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis). Comp Clin Pathol 24, 549–554 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-014-1942-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-014-1942-6

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