Haematological findings in red-necked wallabies (Protemnodon rufogrisea) with necrobacillosis

Results of blood counts on 17 red-necked wallabies (Protemnodon rufogrisea) with confirmed necrobacillosis have been compared with those of 36 clinically normal animals. The most common abnormality in infected animals was a raised fibrinogen level, found in all of the cases tested. Neutrophilia occurred in 10 individuals and neutrophil morphology was abnormal in 15. Some infected animals showed monocytosis, raised erythrocyte sedimentation rates, high platelet counts and changes in their red cells. The findings provide useful information about the response of the blood to severe bacterial infections in red-necked wallabies and demonstrate the potential diagnostic use of clinical haematology in this species.