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Haematological characteristics of morbid members of the Macropodidae

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Abstract

Haematological data from clinically ill animals coming from six species of macropodids were retrospectively analysed. A haematological indication of inflammation was the most commonly observed abnormality, present in 19/29 animals. Of these, 18/19 exhibited changes in neutrophil concentration. The magnitude of neutrophilia was typically ‘mild’ with only two animals having a neutrophil concentration greater than 10×109/l. Morphological atypia of neutrophils was less commonly present (10/19). Hyperfibrinogenaemia was the least reliable indicator of inflammation (6/19). Mild anaemia was evident in three animals with no indication of increased erythropoietic response. This study indicates that the haematological response by macropodids, to a range of clinical disorders, is likely to result in only mild changes in haematological values. Consequently, when such mild changes are encountered, a thorough investigation of the animal’s health should ensue.

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  1. School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Division of Health Sciences, Murdoch University, South St, Murdoch, Western Australia, 6150, Australia

    P. Clark

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  1. P. Clark
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Correspondence to P. Clark.

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Clark, P. Haematological characteristics of morbid members of the Macropodidae. Comp Clin Path 14, 191–196 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-006-0597-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-006-0597-3

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