Serum biochemical analytes in captive Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis)

Abstract

Background: Establishment of reference values for serum biochemical analytes is important for monitoring health and physiological status of captive animals. Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure and report ranges for serum biochemical analytes in Amazonian manatees (Trichechus inunguis). Methods: Blood samples were collected from 24 healthy captive Amazonian manatees that comprised a mixture of adults, subadults, and calves and males and females; serum analytes were measured and analyzed using a dry reagent bench-top chemical analyzer. Comparisons were made between sexes and with previously published values of closely related species. Results: Medians and ranges (minimum-maximum) of values for the analytes were: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 151 (111-278)U/L (n=20); creatine kinase, 144 (76-315)U/L (n=11); alanine aminotransferase, 10 (2-28)U/L (n=18); aspartate aminotransferase, 14 (5-28)U/L (n=21); γ-glutamyltransferase, 47 (36-73)U/L (n=21); amylase, 1428 (1010-1874)U/L (n=21); alkaline phosphatase, 73 (36-141)U/L (n=19); total protein, 6.8 (6.2-8.0)g/dL (n=24); albumin, 3.3 (2.6-4.1)g/dL (n=21); cholesterol, 188 (101-399)mg/dL (n=21); triglycerides, 126 (60-236)mg/dL (n=21); glucose, 47 (22-69)mg/dL (n=21); urea, 43 (21-69)mg/dL (n=21); uric acid, 1.1 (0.5-1.8)mg/dL (n=22); creatinine, 2.2 (1.5-3.3)mg/dL (n=22); total bilirubin, 0.2 (0.2-2.0)mg/dL (n=21); calcium, 12.7 (10.2-18.6)mg/dL (n=24); iron, 282 (207-457)μg/dL (n=13); and magnesium, 6.9 (4.3-8.9)mg/dL (n=20). With the exception of LDH, no differences were observed between sexes. Conclusions: The ranges obtained in this study provide important preliminary estimates for concentrations and activities of serum analytes in Amazonian manatees until a larger reference interval study can be conducted. ©2011 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.