Biochemical and haematological values for mute swans (cygnus olor): Effects of acute lead poisoning

Abstract

SUMMARYReference levels of some biochemical and haematological variables were determined for mute swans (Cygnus olor Gmelin). Immaturity was identified as a factor which broadened the references ranges. Blood variables of six acutely lead-poisoned swans weredetermined and compared with the reference distribution. Protoporphyrin IX, cholesterol and two serum enzymes, lactate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, were increased; concentrations of haemoglobin and mean cell haemoglobin concentration indicated hypochromic anaemia in birds with acute lead poisoning. The interpretation and diagnostic value of reference values is discussed.

Hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and biochemical values for mute swans (Cygnus olor)

“…The obtained mean total RBC counts were approached to the lower reference limits estimated for mute swans and generally for swans (O’Halloran et al 1988; Jennings 1996; Tully et al 2000; Cousquer and Patterson-Kane 2006). Based on Williams and Trainer (1971), we indicated that RBC values could be related to seasonal trends.…”

“…Hematology may show hemolytic anemia (mild to moderate) with Heinz bodies, poikilocytosis, polychromasia. The increased serum uric acid concentrations, LDH and total protein could be observed (O’Halloran et al 1988; Campbell and Ellis 2007; Katavolos et al 2007; Degernes 2008; O’Connell et al 2009). …”

“…Despite of the hematological reference ranges for swans have been published (O’Halloran et al 1988; Jennings 1996; Olsen et al 2002; Artacho et al 2007b; Milani et al 2012), standards for free-living mute swans are still limited in the literature. In this study, we investigated hematology and serum biochemistry values as well as blood lead level in wild-living mute swans.…”

Lead exposure affects health indices in free-ranging ducks in Argentina

“…Morphological alterations in red blood cells might result in increased hemolysis and, consequently, contribute to anemia (Pattee and Pain 2003;Mateo et al 2003;Mitchell and Johns 2008). These changes in red cell morphology have been previously reported in birds intoxicated with lead (Bates et al 1968;Bono and Braca 1973;O'halloran et al 2008;Campbell 2012). A common indicator of lead poisoning in live vertebrates is the inhibition of d-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity (Finley et al 1976;Scheuhammer 1987;Pain 1989).…”

“…The inhibition of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) enzyme activity (Finley et al 1976;Scheuhammer 1987;Pain 1989), results in impaired heme synthesis, and consequently, anemia. Abnormalities in red cell morphology like hypocromasia (pallor indicating a lack of hemoglobin), anisocytosis (unequal size), poikilocytosis (abnormally shaped), polychromasia (variation in red cell coloration), decreased packed cell volume (PCV), and a high number of immature red blood cells can also be associated with lead-induced anemia (Bates et al 1968;Bono and Braca 1973;O'halloran et al 2008;Campbell 2012). In addition, developmental defects in the erythroid line in bone marrow were reported in experimental studies in ducks (Bates et al 1968).…”