SERUM BIOCHEMICAL AND HEMATOLOGIC REFERENCE INTERVALS FOR WEANLING NORTHWEST ATLANTIC GRAY SEALS (HALICHOERUS GRYPUS)

Baseline health parameters are limited in the primary literature for gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the northwest Atlantic. Accurate normal physiologic reference ranges for both species and specific geographic populations are vital tools for assessing the health of individuals and understanding...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Main Authors: David D. R. Krucik, Barbara Mangold, Wendy Puryear, Mandy Keogh, Andrea Bogomolni, Tracy Romano, Jonathan Runstadler, Felicia Nutter
Format: Text
Language:English
Published: American Association of Zoo Veterinarians 2020
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1638/2019-0086
Description
Summary:Baseline health parameters are limited in the primary literature for gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) in the northwest Atlantic. Accurate normal physiologic reference ranges for both species and specific geographic populations are vital tools for assessing the health of individuals and understanding the health of the entire population. This study developed comprehensive reference intervals for biochemical and hematologic parameters of recently weaned gray seal pups on Cape Cod, Massachusetts from samples collected in 2013, 2016, and 2017. Reference ranges were developed using methodology outlined by the American Society of Clinical Veterinary Pathology. By establishing more comprehensive biochemical and hematologic reference ranges for this population based on a robust sample size, this study provides a new tool for clinicians, researchers, and rehabilitation organizations to improve individual patient care and population research.