Physiological and hematological reference values of wild caucasian squirrels (Sciurus anomalus pallescens) in northern Iraq

Abstract

Wild Caucasian squirrels are commonly seen in the mountain forests of the northern Iraqi and are sometimes kept as pets. However, no hematological or physiological reference values are set for these animals, even though they are often taken to private veterinary hospitals in the region. So, setting these values is necessary. A selection of hematological and physiological parameters is measured in 24 wild Caucasian squirrels (20 males and four females) in the mountain areas of Pshdar district, Sulaymaniyah, north of Iraq. The hematological parameters included the leukocytes, erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelets, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa. The vital signs included the heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation (SpO2), and rectal temperature. The physiological parameters were scored, and blood was taken from the animals without being sedated or anesthetized by immobilizing them using a specially designed jacket. Most values were as expected compared to other rodent species, and no significant differences were observed between the sexes. All squirrels are successfully rehabilitated and released after the experiments are conducted.

Keywords

• blood parameters
• caucasian squirrel
• physiological parameters
• reference values