Abstract
This study involved the comprehensive analysis of clinical pathology data for hematology, serum, and plasma biochemistry reference intervals for healthy common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting open water systems to expand the available hematological serum and biochemical reference values. Data included blood samples previously collected on fasted animals via dorsal or ventral venipuncture using a voluntary fluke present behavior and tested at Cornell University. The retrospective data analysis resulted in reference ranges for healthy adult bottlenose dolphin populations housed in open ocean water systems and may be used to provide baselines for comparison among managed care and wild populations. Blood values were also compared by sex, season, and the interaction between sex and season to determine any effect on various clinicopathologic variables. Sex, season, and the interaction between sex and season were important determinants of many blood variables. A total of 16 parameters were chosen for the study population, including: Hematocrit, Red Blood Cell Count, White Blood Cell Count, Total Protein, Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Calcium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Glucose, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Total Bilirubin, and Fibrinogen. A total of 518 blood samples were obtained, across 16 years, from 12 resident dolphins of differing ages and sex. Significant sex differences were observed for Total Bilirubin, Glucose, Sodium, Calcium and Magnesium. Mean White Blood Cell Count was significantly lower in summer, compared to winter and fall. Mean Total Bilirubin values were significantly higher in fall, whereas mean Sodium and Chloride were significantly lower. The winter season was associated with a significant increase in Alkaline Phosphatase and Phosphorus values. The interaction between sex and season were significant for Aspartate Aminotransferase, Gamma- glutamyltransferase and Total Protein. These findings provide important baseline information for future health monitoring efforts in both wild and managed care populations.