Haematology and Serum Biochemistry of Wild Tasmanian Devils with Devil Facial Tumour Disease

Abstract

The Tasmanian devil (TD) is threatened with extinction by a fatally infectious cancer known as Devil facial tumour disease (DFTD). The objectives of this study were toestablish species reference intervals (RIs) and examine changes that occur in DFTD. Blood samples were collected from wild TDs at multiple sites in Tasmania. Significant age differences were found for ALP, CK, cholesterol, calcium, phosphate, albumin, globulin, albumin: globulin ratio and glucose. Significant differences between sexes were observed for AST, creatinine and potassium. Significant seasonal or reproductive status variation in adult males or breeding females were observed for PCV, haemoglobin, RBC, MCHC, MCH, MCV, neutrophils and lymphocytes, fibrinogen, total plasma protein, AST, ALP, ALT, GLDH, bilirubin, urea, calcium, chloride, total protein, albumin, A:G and glucose. Species RIs and subgroup RIs are provided. Subsequently comparisons were made between clinically healthy, wounded and diseased devils; comparisons among stages of DFTD and between ulcerated and non-ulcerated tumours were made. Increased leukocytes, neutrophils, fibrinogen and platelets as well as decreased lymphocytes, erythrocytes and haemoglobin were observed in DFTD devils. ALP, ALT, GLDH, sodium, Na:K ratio, potassium, albumin and A:G ratio were lower and AST greater in animals with DFTD when compared to clinically healthy animals. No significant differences were found between stages of DFTD or ulcerated and non-ulcerated tumours. Establishing species RIs provides a useful diagnostic tool for health assessment of TDs. The differences with DFTD compared to healthy devils are reflective of inflammation or chronic disease. Similar changes are observed with wounds but to a lesser extent. The lack of significant variation among stages of DFTD and between ulcerated and non-ulcerated tumours was unexpected, and could be due to the lack of information about the extent of tumour necrosis and surface ulceration.