Reference intervals for hematological and biochemical analytes in a single herd of clinically healthy gelding donkeys in Saint Kitts.

The research article abstract presents a study focusing on establishing reference intervals (RIs) for blood and biochemical analytes in a population of healthy donkeys in Saint Kitts.

Objective and Methodology

• The researchers aimed to fill the gap in knowledge about hematological and biochemical RIs for the donkey population in Saint Kitts. RIs are crucial in monitoring health and diagnosing diseases in animals. The study followed the RI guidelines set by the American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.
• The study included 66 healthy gelding standard donkeys with a median age of around 5 years.
• A five-part differential complete blood count was produced using an impedance-based analyzer.
• A photometric-based analyzer was used to quantify clinical chemistry analytes, while an electrochemical-based analyzer was used to quantify chloride, sodium and potassium.
• The Reference Value Advisor was used to compute RIs.
• Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman plot analyses were employed to assess results of analytes determined using different analyzers.

Key Findings

• RIs were generated for 43 hematological and biochemical analytes. These included hematocrit, red blood cells, white blood cells, total protein, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine.
• Specific RIs were provided, such as for hematocrit (23.67%-38.08%), red blood cells (4.08 – 6.42 10/L), white blood cells (4.7 – 12.34 10/L), total protein (5.84 – 6.93 g/dL), and glucose (64.7 – 130.9 mg/dL).
• The study found good agreement between detection systems for analytes such as albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transferase, total protein, globulin, and potassium.
• However, there was less agreement for blood urea nitrogen, calcium, creatinine kinase, and sodium.

Significance and Impact

• This research is the first of its kind to establish hematological and biochemical RIs for donkeys in Saint Kitts, thus addressing a significant knowledge gap.
• The generated RIs will be helpful for clinical decision-making, enabling veterinarians and scientists to better understand, monitor and manage the health of the donkey population in this region.