Normal haematology and serum biochemistry values
Haematology and biochemistry profiles are invaluable when evaluating and monitoring the health of tigers. Panels should ideally be run every time a tiger is sedated. Different laboratories in different countries include different tests as standard in their panels, and it is important to request the correct tests when submitting the blood sample.
Suggested tests for a standard profile, and reference ranges for the different species of tiger are listed below.
| Parameter | Unit | Reference ranges for Amur tiger | Reference ranges for Bengal tiger | Reference ranges for Sumatran tiger |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Red blood cell count | X1012/l | 4.90-9.19 | 4.73-8.30 | 4.20-8.50 |
| Haemoglobin | g/l | 80-170 | 93-166 | 73-163 |
| PCV | % | 25.0-54.0 | 28.8-51.0 | 22.9-50.0 |
| MCV | fl | 45.0-68.7 | 50.3-66.5 | 51.6-65.0 |
| MCH | pg | 14.9-21.9 | 17.2-22.4 | 16.1-22.7 |
| MCHC | g/l | 284-399 | 283-375 | 300-378 |
| Platelet count | X1012/l | 0.088-0.481 | 0.111-0.421 | 0.059-0.397 |
| WBC | X109/l | 5.5-17.4 | 5.8-22.1 | 4.5-15.2 |
| Lymphocytes | X109/l | 0.23-3.10 | 0.658-4.211 | 0.31-3.37 |
| Lymphocytes % | ||||
| Monocytes | X109/l | 0.00-1.115 | 0.090-0.898 | 0.039-0.606 |
| Monocyte % | ||||
| Segmented neutrophils | X109/l | 0.63-14.10 | 3.752-16.793 | 1.82-12.52 |
| S neutrophils % | ||||
| Band neutrophils | X109/l | 0.00-2.917 | 0.106-4.878 | 0.00-1.719 |
| B neutrophils % | ||||
| Eosinophils | X109/l | 0.00-0.778 | 0.071-0.824 | 0.00-0.814 |