CLINICAL PATHOLOGY
The use of hematology in determining the health status of birds is becoming a more routine practice as data is becoming available. Many insurance companies are requiring some type of testing prior to insuring birds and many Veterinarians are using a series of tests to identify both clinical and subclinically ill animals.
There are two groups of tests that are routinely used; 1) complete blood counts (total white blood cell, total red blood cell, hematocrit or packed cell volume, hemoglobin, and differential white blood cell counts and 2) clinical chemistries ( Glucose, blood urea nitrogen, cholesterol, triglicerides, ...). Complete blood cell counts are often useful in identifying ongoing infections, problems related to anemia and dehydration while serum chemistries are useful determining problems with specific organ functions, electrolyte imbalances, and to evaluate treatment effects.
Under most circumstances, the drawing of blood for these tests is not overly stressful for the birds and with good facilities and experience, little or no adverse effects will be noted as a result. The proper handling of the samples and the interpretation of the results are essential, however, for an accurate evaluation of the status of the bird.
Table 1 Provides normal complete blood values for adult ostrich while Table 2 lists normal serum chemistry values.
Although the interpretation of the information provided by these tests should be conducted by your veterinarian, several general rules should be noted.
Complete cell counts
White blood cell counts (WBC) over 14,000 are a general indication of ongoing acute or chronic infection. Counts over 20,000 may be the result of excitement during the handling process.
The packed cell volume (PCV) for adult ostrich ( 30-40 %) is generally lower than that seen in most other birds. Juvenile birds will have a lower PCV than adults.
Total Red Blood Cell Counts (RBC) for ostrich are slightly below the average for other birds.
Hemoglobin and hematocrit values for adult ostrich are higher than that seen in juvenile birds.
Clinical Chemistry
Juvenile ostrich have lower calcium and magnesium values than that seen in adult birds.
Immature birds have higher total protein, uric acid, and potassium levels than do adult birds.
Immature ostrich have higher uric acid levels than do adults.
Obese birds have trigliceride values in excess of 400.
Calcium levels in laying hens should be greater than 14.
Table 1. Hematologic values (Complete blood counts) for clinically normal adult ostrich.PARAMETER MEAN VALUE White blood cells (103/ul) 5.5 to Total red blood cell (106/ul) 1.5 Hematocrit (%) 30-40 Hemoglobin (mg/dl) 12-15 Triglicerides (106/ul) 1.7
Table 2. Mean Serum Chemistry Values For Clinically Normal Adult Ostrich
PARAMETER MEAN VALUE Albumin (g/dl) 1.3 - 2.5 Billirubin (umol/L) 6.0 BUN (mg/dl) 1.2-1.8 Cholesterol (mg/dl) 82-97 Glucose (mg/dl) 215-245 Phosphorus (mg/dl) 4.4-5.2 Calcium (mg/dl) 9.5-13 Total Protein (g/dl) 3.7-4.7 Triglycerides (mg/dl) 90-130 Urea (umol/L) 0.4 Uric acid (umol/L) 460-490