Hematology RIs for captive and wild Arabian Sand Gazelles (Gazella subgutturosa marica) of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

• Published in: Veterinary clinical pathology 2018-06, Vol.47 (2), p.213-217
• Main Authors: D'Alterio, Gian Lorenzo, Barichievy, Chris, Macasero, William
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Blood; Breeding; Captive breeding; complete blood count; Endangered species; Females; Gazella subgutturosa; gazelle captive breeding; Hematology; Hemoglobin; Males; reem gazelle; reference interval; Reintroduction; Statistical analysis
• ISSN: 0275-6382; 1939-165X
• DOI: 10.1111/vcp.12600

Background The Arabian Sand Gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa marica, Thomas, 1897) has been extirpated throughout the Arabian Peninsula. Captive breeding and reintroduction for conservation purposes require veterinary support and the use of hematology RIs. Objectives The purpose of the study was to establish hematological RIs for the Arabian Sand Gazelle. Methods Blood from 231 clinically healthy captive and 22 wild (reintroduced) Arabian Sand Gazelles were sampled. The VetScan HM2 analyzer was used to determine the complete cell count (CBC) on the same morning of sample collection. American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP) guidelines were followed for statistical analyses. Results The white blood cell counts (WBC) and hematocrits (HCT) revealed broad RIs, the red blood cell counts (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) were characterized by a narrow RI, and the platelet count (PLT) yielded a wide RI due to high variance in the data. The HGB, MCHC, PLT, and platelet distribution width (PDW) were significantly different between the captive males and females. The majority of the variables assessed were significantly different between captive and wild animals. Conclusions The large number of samples obtained for this study was considerable given the rare and endangered status of this species, which overall afforded narrow RIs and CIs. The main exception was for the PLT constituents. The significant differences observed between the captive and wild male gazelles show the need to understand the origin of the animals for which hematologic RIs are determined.