engleski

Blood film evaluation of free-ranging brown bears (Ursus arctos)

Background. One of the best population health indicators is hematology, and the quickest way to gain insight into some hematological parameters is from the blood film. Sometimes, due to the inability to store blood or the unavailability of hematological instruments on the field work, or the insufficient amount of blood for a complete hematological analysis, blood film evaluation could be the only method for getting the information on hematological changes. Population of brown bear (Ursus arctos) is often endangered and protected as important integral species of terrestrial communities. Objectives. The aim was to test the possibility of using the blood film evaluation, as the only source of hematological data, for the assessment of animal’s hematological and consequently health status. Material and Methods. Blood films of seventeen brow bears from Eastern Turkey were evaluated to assess the morphology of blood cells, estimate total leukocyte count, determine differential white blood cell count and look for the cell inclusions, hemoparasites or other microorganisms. Results. Estimated total and differential WBC count were similar to the previous literature data from brown bears gained from the hematological analyzers. Rouleaux formation was present in twelve animals, poikilocytosis in four, while parasitic nematodes, microfilariae, were found in seven out of seventeen bears. Conclusion. Blood film evaluation alone could be of use in assessing the animal’s hematological and consequently health status. New findings in our study, such as presence of rouleaux formation and microfilaria in brown bears, require further investigation in this field.

hematology, blood film evaluation, brow bear, hemoparasites, microfilaria

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