An update on hematologic, biochemical and urinary reference values for Iriomote cats

Abstract

Iriomote cats (Prionailurus bengalensis iriomotensis) are a critically endangered, wild felid subspecies, for which blood and urine data are lacking. We evaluated hematology and serum biochemistry (n=69) and urinalysis (n=56) values for sex differences, and differences versus a reference range in domestic cats (Felis catus). Males showed higher red blood cell count and total cholesterol, and females showed higher platelet count. Iriomote cats showed values above the reference range in domestic cats in some parameters (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine phosphokinase, and lactate dehydrogenase). Urinalysis revealed white blood cells and marginal protein levels, which were likely due to strenuous activity and stress. The study provides valuable data on health indicators for this subspecies.