Hematologic and biochemical reference intervals for captive Tsushima leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus): Effects of origin, sex, age, and anesthesia
Aug 2026· Journal of zoo and wildlife medicine· Vol 57, pp. 658-670· 0 citations· 32 references
TL;DR
This study provides the first statistically derived, subspecies-specific clinicopathological RIs for the Tsushima leopard cat and, to the authors' knowledge, also represents the first formal set of RIs for leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis).
Abstract
The Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus) is an endangered felid endemic to Tsushima Island, for which conservation breeding programs have been established. However, the lack of species-specific clinicopathological reference intervals (RIs) limits accurate clinical assessment, which is essential for effective conservation and management. This study aimed to establish hematologic and biochemical RIs for captive Tsushima leopard cats and evaluate the effects of origin, sex, age class, and anesthetic exposure on these parameters. RIs and 90% confidence intervals were estimated using a nonparametric bootstrap percentile method for captive, non-anesthetized animals (48 animals; 204 samples). Evaluation of domestic cat RI transferability revealed that domestic cat RIs did not apply to 61.8% of analytes, indicating that these intervals should not be used for this subspecies. Analysis of indices of individuality confirmed the clinical utility of population-based RIs for many analytes. Comparisons between captive and free-ranging animals revealed significant differences in erythrocyte-related parameters and in alanine aminotransferase, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), phosphorus, and total cholesterol, which may reflect differences in nutritional status, parasite exposure, and diet. Additionally, higher WBC, glucose (GLU), and creatine kinase were observed in free-ranging animals, consistent with capture-related stress responses. No significant sex-related differences were detected. Age-related differences were observed in a subset of variables, including lower erythrocyte-related parameters and higher BUN and creatinine concentrations in senior animals. Anesthetic exposure significantly affected several variables: isoflurane anesthesia was associated with reductions in erythrocyte-related parameters, whereas medetomidine–ketamine anesthesia was associated with increased GLU concentrations. This study provides the first statistically derived, subspecies-specific clinicopathological RIs for the Tsushima leopard cat and, to our knowledge, also represents the first formal set of RIs for leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis). These results provide a basis for improved clinical interpretation, longitudinal health monitoring, and conservation management of this endangered species.
A previous study showed that the feline trypsin-immunoreactivity assay (fTLI) does not crossimmunoreact with cheetahs, and cobalamin and folate concentrations were well below the reference interval limits for domestic cats, but this has not been evaluated in jaguars.4 The objective of this study was to obtain gastrointestinal (GI) biomarker measurements in jaguars under managed care, compare the values to the domestic cat reference range, and determine their validity for future medical protocols. Serum samples from participating institutions were submitted to the GI Lab at Texas A&M University to measure serum concentrations of cobalamin, folate, fTLI, and feline pancreatic lipase immunoassay. Any documented GI medical conditions were also recorded. Results (n = 104) were analyzed from 72 jaguars (28 males and 44 females; 1.25–23 yr old) and compared with reference intervals established in domestic cats.14–16 The majority of results for pancreatic-like immunoassay (n = 68) were within reference intervals for domestic cats (median 0.4 µg/L, range 0.3–4.3), but many samples tested for cobalamin (n = 63; mean 199 ng/L; range 149–290), fTLI (n = 62; median 7.4 µg/L; range 0.1–11.7) and folate concentrations (n = 54; median 5.5 µg/L; range 1.04–34.2) were below them. All jaguars with abnormal fTLI concentrations lacked clinical signs associated with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, such as poor hair coat, weight loss, or malodorous feces. This study demonstrated that domestic cat reference intervals for GI biomarkers such as cobalamin and fTLI are most likely not valid for jaguars as well.
Tamara N. Kruse, Jörg M. Steiner· Journal of zoo and wildlife...· 0 citations
These highly powered, sedation-contextualized RI provide a definitive, species-specific diagnostic framework that will significantly enhance veterinary care, colony management, and the interpretation of translational research utilizing A. nancymaae.
Carlos Gaspar, M. Nieto, N. Espinoza et al.· Scientific Reports· 0 citations
The establishment of reliable physiological baselines is essential for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of rescued wildlife, but reference intervals (RIs) are limited for many species encountered in rehabilitation settings. The Northern boobook (Ninox japonica) is one of the most frequently rescued owl species at wildlife rescue centers in the Republic of Korea, yet veterinary research on this species is scarce. This study aimed to establish the hematologic and plasma biochemical RIs for rehabilitated Northern boobooks and assess the agreement between field estimation methods and standard analytical techniques for selected variables. These variables included hemoglobin (Hgb) derived from packed cell volume, total protein (TP) measured by refractometry, and total white blood cell (TWBC) counts obtained from blood films. The blood profiles for RI calculation were collected from 41 clinically normal, rehabilitated individuals, and no statistically significant differences were found between the sexes for any parameter. Method comparison analyses for Hgb, TP, and TWBC found significant differences between the estimation techniques and their respective reference methods. The Bland–Altman plots found systematic biases for all methods, because the 95% confidence interval for mean biases excluded zero, indicating poor concordance. Passing–Bablok regression further confirmed systematic deviations, identifying a mix of constant and proportional biases that varied among the analytes. These findings underscore the need for caution when interpreting the estimated values in clinical settings. In addition, because rehabilitated individuals may appear clinically stable while harboring subclinical pathologies, the results of this study should be considered within the context of rehabilitation.
Jang-Hee Han, Jinyoung Kim, Soeun Ryu et al.· Journal of zoo and wildlife...· 0 citations
Season-specific RIs are provided for analytes with substantial seasonal effects of apparently healthy Mongolian Bactrian camels to support clinical interpretation and herd health monitoring under Mongolian pastoral conditions.
Tsognemekh Bolormaa, B. Sandagdorj, Sedkhuu Burenjargal et al.· Journal of Veterinary Medica...· 0 citations
BACKGROUND
Parasitism is widespread in Neotropical reptiles, yet hematologic variation remains poorly characterized for many species. The Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis) commonly harbors both intracellular hemoparasites and ticks, but population-based hematologic data under natural field conditions are limited.
OBJECTIVES
To characterize population-level hematologic values using descriptive hematologic intervals in free-ranging adult C. similis, and to evaluate associations between hematologic variables, intracellular hemoparasites, and tick burden.
METHODS
Blood samples were obtained from 89 free-ranging adult iguanas from two sites in Costa Rica. Hemoparasites were identified based on blood smear morphology. Ticks were removed from each animal, then counted and categorized by life stage. Hematologic variables included erythrogram, white blood cell (WBC) counts, thrombocyte counts, and total solids. Descriptive hematologic intervals were calculated using the robust method. Associations between parasitism and hematologic variables were evaluated using linear and multiple regression models.
RESULTS
Hemoparasite prevalence was high (93.3%), but hemoparasite loads were not significantly associated with erythrogram or WBC variables. In contrast, tick burden was associated with several factors. Hemoglobin concentration decreased with increasing numbers of adult ticks. Adult female ticks remained negatively associated with hemoglobin in adjusted models. WBC showed stage-specific relationships: heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratios increased with nymph abundance, and eosinophil counts increased with adult female ticks. All significant models had low explanatory power (R2 ≤ 0.14).
CONCLUSIONS
Tick burden, but not hemoparasite load, was associated with variation in hematologic variables in C. similis. These findings provide population-based hematologic context for this species and support cautious interpretation of hematologic data in parasitized reptiles.
R. Arguedas, Lizbeth Ovares, Idania Valverde et al.· Veterinary clinical patholog...· 0 citations
Abstract The crab-eating raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) is a widely distributed South American mesocarnivore that frequently inhabits human-modified landscapes, where it may play a role in the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. Leptospirosis is an important but underreported disease in free-ranging wildlife, particularly in South America. This report describes the clinical management of a free-ranging crab-eating raccoon rescued after a road accident in southeastern Brazil, presenting systemic, hepatic, renal, and neurological alterations. Given the epidemiological context and compatible clinical findings, serological testing for Leptospira spp. was performed using the microscopic agglutination test, which revealed a titer of 1:200 for serovar Wolffi. Although the titer was relatively low, it was interpreted as clinically relevant when integrated with laboratory abnormalities and clinical signs, supporting initiation of antimicrobial therapy. The animal received doxycycline and comprehensive supportive care, including analgesia, hepatoprotective treatment, nutritional support via esophageal tube, and management of neurological signs. Progressive clinical and laboratory improvement was observed, allowing tube removal after 10 days and transfer to rehabilitation. No recurrence of clinical signs was noted during a 60-day follow-up. This case highlights the importance of integrating serology, clinical evaluation, and epidemiology for the diagnosis of leptospirosis in wildlife and underscores the relevance of P. cancrivorus to One Health surveillance.
Isabella Abreu Castro, Delcio Almeida Magalhães, Beatriz Caroline Cabral Ibelli et al.· Brazilian Journal of Veterin...· 0 citations