Reference values for some clinical, hematobiochemical and electrocardiographic parameters in miniature donkeys: the effect of sex, age and season

AbstractIn the current study, we aimed to establish reference values for the most important clinical, hematobiochemical and electrocardiographic (ECG) parameters and evaluate the effect of sex, age and season in miniature donkey. We hypothesized that these parameters in this valuable breed of donkey would be different from those of other species of equidae. Twenty apparently healthy miniature donkeys aged 1 –8 years and weighing averagely 115 ± 10 kg, with an average height of 0.83 ± 0.3 m, were used in this study. Based on sex, age and season of sampling, the animals were divided into groups. Animals less than 2 years old, between 2 and 5 years old and those over 5 years of age were cons idered foal, young and adult, respectively. The ECG was attached as a bipolar base-apex lead and indices measured and analyzed were P, QRS and T wave amplitude and duration and duration of PR, QT and RR intervals. Red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC) and WBC differential counts were performe d using a hemacytometer. Sera were collected for measurement of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+) and phosphorus (P−) concentrations. Heart rate (HR), PR and RR intervals were different from reference ranges. Male and female animals showed no significant differences in clinical, hematobiochemical and ECG parameters except in serum concentrations of Ca2+ and Mg2+(P <  0.05). There were significant differences in HR, RR interval an...
Source: Comparative Clinical Pathology - Category: Pathology Source Type: research