The effects of short-term physical restraint and isoflurane anesthesia on hematology and plasma biochemistry in the island flying fox (Pteropus hypomelanus)

The effects of short-term physical restraint and isoflurane anesthesia on hematologic and serum biochemistry parameters were evaluated in 12 island flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus). Physical restraint was associated with significantly decreased calcium, cholesterol, globulin, albumin, hemoglobin concentrations, red blood cell count, and hematocrit and increased glucose, phosphorus, and potassium concentrations. Isoflurane restraint was associated with significantly decreased calcium, cholesterol, albumin, globulin, and glucose concentrations, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase activities, white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and total neutrophil and lymphocyte counts and significantly increased phosphorus and chloride concentrations. For those variables where both restraint forms produced an alteration (red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, calcium, phosphorus, glucose), the magnitude of change was always significantly greater for the physically restrained animals. This study indicates that in adult flying foxes isoflurane anesthesia is preferable to physical restraint for collection of blood samples for hematologic and plasma biochemical analysis. Additionally, blood samples should be collected as soon as possible after capture, regardless of restraint technique.