The Effects of Capture, Restraint, and Transport on Hematologic, Plasma Biochemical, and Blood Gas Values in Dalmatian Pelicans ( Pelecanus crispus).

To determine the effect of capture and restraint on hematologic, plasma biochemical, and venous blood gas values in Dalmatian pelicans ( Pelecanus crispus), blood samples were collected and temperature and heart rate were recorded in 13 pelicans (5 males and 8 females) immediately after capture from a large field exhibit. Repeat sampling was performed after transport, a mean of 74 minutes after initial evaluation. When compared with values at initial sampling to the time of capture, significant increases were documented in the heterophil : lymphocyte ratio (H : L), carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), bicarbonate (HCO ₃ ), total carbon dioxide (Tco ₂ ), base excess (BE), and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pco ₂ ) values after 74 minutes. Significant decreases were documented in total protein, lactate, and phosphorus concentrations, percentage of oxygen saturation (So ₂ ), partial pressure of oxygen (Po ₂ ), total white blood cell count (WBC), absolute lymphocytes, absolute eosinophils, and absolute monocytes after 74 minutes. Those changes suggest capture and restraint can alter hematologic, plasma biochemical, and acid-base status in Dalmatian pelicans, which may influence clinical decision making and case management.