Hematology, red cell enzymes and red cell metabolic intermediates of 20 wild southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) from Macquarie Island

Blood was collected for haematological, red cell enzyme and red cell metabolic intermediate studies from 20 Southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina. Mean haematological values were: haemoglobin (Hb) 22.4 ± 1.4 g/dl, packed cell volume (PCV) 54.2 ± 3.8%, mean cell volume (MCV) 213.0 ± 5.0 fl and red cell count (RCC) 2.5 × 1012/l. Red cell morphology was unremarkable. Most of the red cell enzymes showed low activity in comparison with human red cells. Haemoglobin electrophoresis showed a typical pinniped pattern, i.e. two major components. Total leucocyte counts, platelet counts, and coagulation studies were within expected mammalian limits. Eosinophil counts varied from 0.5 × 109/l to 7.7 × 109/l(5%-49%), and there was a very wide variation in erythrocyte sedimentation rates, from 3 to 60 mm/h. © 1995 Springer-Verlag London Limited.