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Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids: the Plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the Spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and the Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

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Abstract

Haematological and serum biochemical data have been collected from a total of 19 captive-bred Australian native murids (Plains rat, Spinifex hopping-mouse and Central rock-rat). These animals were maintained in a captive population at Alice Springs Desert Park (NT, Australia) and are all central desert inhabitants of Australia. They are currently listed as common, threatened and critically endangered, respectively. Given the status and size of these animals, only small sample numbers and volumes were analysed. The study, however, provides some basic haematology and serum biochemistry information for these three species and will serve as an effective management tool for assessing and monitoring the health status of individuals, particularly those in captivity.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Dr. Kathy Moylan (Alice Springs Veterinary Clinic) for allowing us to include three of the Central rock-rat samples and Ms. Rebecca Carman for photomicrography and technical assistance. We would also like to thank Dr. John Jardine (VetPath), Dr. Kiran Ambatipudi (Macquarie University) and Dr. Doug Chesher (PaLMS) for helpful suggestions and discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Biological Sciences, Division of Environmental and Life Sciences, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia

    J. M. Old & E. M. Deane

  2. Pacific Laboratory Medicine Services, Royal North Shore Hospital, St. Leonards, NSW, 2065, Australia

    L. Connelly & J. Francis

  3. Alice Springs Desert Park, Larapinta Drive, Alice Springs, NT, 0870, Australia

    K. Branch & G. Fry

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  1. J. M. Old
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  2. L. Connelly
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  3. J. Francis
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  4. K. Branch
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  5. G. Fry
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  6. E. M. Deane
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Correspondence to J. M. Old.

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Old, J.M., Connelly, L., Francis, J. et al. Haematology and serum biochemistry of three Australian desert murids: the Plains rat (Pseudomys australis), the Spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) and the Central rock-rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus). Comp Clin Path 14, 130–137 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-005-0586-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-005-0586-y

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