Clinical haematology, biochemistry profiles and erythrocytic morphometry of confiscated Sunda pangolins (Manis javanica) in the Centre for Rehabilitation and Quarantine of Confiscated Animals, Wildlife and Alien Species, Thailand
Authors:   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Yindee Marnoch ,   One Health Research Centre, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Thomas Warisara ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Wajjawalku Worawidh ,   Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand, Wongsawang Witsanu ,   Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand, Income Nicharee ,   Faculty of Veterinary Science, Mahidol University, Kanchanaburi 71150, Thailand, Horpiencharoen Wantida ,   School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag, 11 222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand, Bangkaew Nuttapon ,   Elephant Kingdom Surin Project by The Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, Kosaruk Worapong ,   Graduate School of Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiangmai University 50200, Chiangmai, Thailand, Thepapichaikul Wasinee ,   Graduate School of Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, Nakhorn-Pathom 73170, Thailand, Manatchaiworakul Wallaya ,   National Laboratory Animal Center, Mahidol University, Nakhorn-Pathom 73170, Thailand, Pattanarangsan Rattapan ,   Panthera Southeast and South Asia, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand, Ketpun Dettachai ,   Veterinary Pathology and Diagnosis Centre, Akkhraratchakumari Veterinary College, Walailak University, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80160, Thailand
Published: July 2023

Every year, ten thousand Sunda Pangolins (Manis javanica) are rescued and confiscated from the illegal trade around Southeast Asia, including Thailand. Most of them are usually moribund and need intensive veterinary interventions to recover their health before being released to the wild. However, a lack of reliable haematology and clinical biochemistry references for Thai confiscated Sunda pangolins is a major difficulty for reaching this goal. The aim of this study was to establish a standard panel of haematology and serum biochemistry profiles used for confiscated pangolins in Thailand. Coccygeal venepuncture of 52 confiscated pangolins was performed. Haematology and serum biochemistry data acquisitions were made using automated blood analysers. The lower and upper limits at 90% confidence interval were calculated. The means of all parameters were calculated and then compared with those in two previous studies (p < 0.005). Blood corpuscle morphometry was done manually. All blood corpuscles in females were bigger than males. There were differences of haematologic and biochemical parameters among this study and previous studies in some aspects. Wide scientific discussion was made to explain these variations. A panel of haematology and serum biochemistry profiles for Thai confiscated Sunda pangolin has been established. Veterinarians can refer to all parameters to evaluate the animals’ health and diseases.