Characterization of blood cells in the Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)

Background The Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis) is the most frequently encountered wild cat in most of Southeast Asia. Limited hematologic investigation exists for this species. Objectives The objectives of this study were to assess routine hematologic measurements and parameters and characterize the morphology, cytochemical staining, and ultrastructural features of blood cells in Leopard Cats. Methods Blood samples were collected from 12 adult healthy captive Leopard Cats (7 males and 5 females). Complete blood counts were performed using an automated hematology analyzer and manual differential counts. Cytochemical staining (Sudan black B [SBB], peroxidase [PO], periodic acid-Schiff [PAS], alpha-naphthyl acetate esterase [ANAE], and beta-glucuronidase [BG]) and scanning and transmission electron microscopy were performed using standard methods. Results Median (range) hematologic results were as follows: PCV 0.46 L/L (0.30-0.55 L/L), hemoglobin 136.5 g/L (100-183 g/L), WBC 9.0 x 109/L (6.9-15.2 x 109/L), band neutrophils 0.07 x 109/L (0-0.30 x 109/L), segmented neutrophils 2.9 x 109/L (1.2-6.34 x 109/L), lymphocytes 5.3 x 109/L (2.7-8.1 x 109/L), eosinophils 0.14 x 109/L (0-0.73 x 109/L), basophils 0/L (0-0.22 x 109/L), and monocytes 0.08 x 109/L (0-0.30 x 109/L). Neutrophils stained strongly positive for SBB, PO, and PAS; lymphocytes had fine granular positivity for ANAE and BG; monocytes were weakly positive for ANAE and BG; and basophils were strongly positive for BG. Ultrastructurally, eosinophils contained many large rod-shaped granules with prominent crystalloid core structures, ribosomes, and mitochondria. Basophils contained many round to oval specific granules with homogeneous contents. Low number of basophils contained a few small vacuoles that usually were not detected by light microscopy. Conclusion These findings will facilitate interpretation of hematologic results for future investigative and diagnostic studies of this species.