Reference values for hematology, plasma biochemical analysis, plasma protein electrophoresis, and Aspergillus...

Elegant-crested tinamou (Eudromia elegans) are members of the family Tinamidae. A review of postmortem records at the Saint Louis Zoo suggests that this species is highly susceptible to aspergillosis. Antemortem detection of Aspergillus infections can be aided by evaluating results of hematologic, plasma biochemical, protein electrophoretic, and Aspergillus antigen and antibody serologic testing. To establish species-specific reference intervals for these parameters in elegant-crested tinamou, blood samples were collected and analyzed from 19 healthy captive adult and subadult elegant-crested tinamou. The predominant circulating leukocyte in elegant-crested tinamou is the lymphocyte. Prealbumin electrophoresis fractions were detected in 4 of 19 birds (21%), and globulin fractions were detected in all birds. All birds had measurable titers for Aspergillus antibody and galactomannan antigen, including 3 birds with antibody levels considered to be positive. Galactomannan levels were all below the positive threshold of 1.0. Results of hematologic and plasma biochemical analyses performed on blood samples obtained from terminally ill elegant-crested tinamou with confirmed aspergillosis were compared with results from healthy individuals. Significant differences were found in the hematocrit, total white blood cell count, heterophil and monocyte counts, and albumin and globulin levels.