Characterization of blood cells in the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Abstract

Background: The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most frequently encountered wild cat in most of Southeast Asia. Limited hematologic investigation exists for this species. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess routine hematologic measurements and parameters and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in Leopard Cats. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 12 adult healthy captive Leopard Cats (7 males and 5 females). Complete blood counts were performed using an automated hematology analyzer and manual differential counts. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], α-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and β-glucuronidase [BG]) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods. Results:Median (range) hematologic results were as follows: PCV 0.46 L/L (0.30-0.55 L/L), hemoglobin 136.5 g/L (100-183 g/L), WBC 9.0 × 109/L (6.9-15.2 × 109/L), band neutrophils 0.07 × 109/L (0-0.30 × 109/L), segmented neutrophils 2.9 × 109/L (1.2-6.34 × 109/L), lymphocytes 5.3 × 109/L (2.7-8.1 × 109/L), eosinophils 0.14 × 109/L (0-0.73 × 109/L), basophils 0/L (0-0.22 × 109/L), and monocytes 0.08 × 109/L (0-0.30 × 109/L). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, PO, and PAS; lymphocytes had fine granular positivity for ANAE and BG; monocytes were weakly positive for ANAE and BG; and basophils were strongly positive for BG. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils contained many large rod-shaped granules with prominent crystalloid core structures, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Basophils contained many round to oval specific granules with homogeneous contents. Low number of basophils contained a few small vacuoles that usually were not detected by light microscopy. Conclusion: These findings will facilitate interpretation of hematologic results for future investigative and diagnostic studies of this species. ©2010 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.