IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group Bulletin
©IUCN/SCC Otter Specialist Group
Volume 42 Issue 4 (August 2025)
Abstracts
Hematological Profile of Neotropical Otters (Lontra longicaudis)
Pages 163 - 178 (Article)
Oldemar De Oliveira Carvalho-Junior, Pricila S. Esteves, and Marcelo Tosatti
This study aimed to establish reference values for the haematological profile of Lontra longicaudis maintained in captivity, contributing to clinical evaluation, health monitoring, and conservation strategies for this endangered species. Blood samples were collected from 18 individuals of varying ages (from pups to adults) and both sexes, allowing for an initial assessment of physiological variability. The results revealed mean erythrocyte counts of 6.30 million/μl, haematocrit of 51.94%, and haemoglobin concentration of 16.39 g/dl, all within expected ranges for wild carnivores. Haematometric indices indicated a normocytic and normochromic pattern across most individuals. Leukocyte counts averaged 5.91 x10³/μl, with neutrophils as the predominant cell type, suggesting a stable immune status in the majority of animals. However, some individuals exhibited notable deviations, such as Otter 14, which showed leucocytosis, neutrophilia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia, possibly indicating an inflammatory or infectious process. Platelet counts and total protein levels were generally within normal limits, though isolated cases of thrombocytosis and hypoalbuminemia were observed. These findings provide baseline data for future comparative studies between captive and free-ranging populations. Despite the limited sample size, this research fills a critical gap in the literature and supports the development of targeted health management protocols for Lontra longicaudis. The establishment of these reference values enhances the capacity for early disease detection, improves veterinary care, and strengthens conservation initiatives for this key aquatic species in neotropical ecosystems..
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