Examination of Blood Samples of the Eurasian Otter (Lutra Lutra)

Heparin and EDTA blood samples were analysed from 14 Eurasian otters. Reflotron and Vettest 8008 were used to identify ALB, ALPK, ALT, AMYL, AST, BUN, Ca, CK, CREA, GLU, Mg, BIL, GGT and CHOL. The electrolytes (Na, K and Cl) were measured by using VetLyte. The QBC haematology system gave a profile for HKT, Thrombo, Leuko, Gran and Lymph/Mono. These values were compared with those from dogs, cats and the North American river otter (Lutra canadensis). Several heparin parameters and a leucocytosis recorded in four individuals indicated that the otters were considerably stressed.