Haematology, plasma biochemistry and whole blood minerals of the captive adult african grasscutter (thryonomys swinderianus, temminck)

Abstract

Haematological, plasma biochemical and whole blood electrolytes profiles were determined in normal live-captured and rehabilitated adult African grasscutter (Thryonomys swinderianus, Temminck). Data obtained did not show statistical evidence of sexual dimorphism in haematological, plasma and whole blood biochemical parameters of the cane rats, excepting plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) values which were very significantly higher (P < 0.001) in the males than in the females. The haematological plasma biochemical and whole blood clinical chemistry values observed from the African grasscutter (cane rat) were compared with the data reported in the same tropical environment in humans, wild and domestic mammalian species.


(Tropical Veterinarian: 2002 20(1): 27-35)