PLASMA-CONCENTRATION OF CREATINE-KINASE AND LACTATE-DEHYDROGENASE IN HOUBARA BUSTARDS (CHLAMYDOTIS-UNDULATA-MACQUEENII) IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING CAPTURE

Blood samples were obtained from clinically normal aviary housed houba ra bustards (Chlamydotis undulata macqueenii) sampled promptly (<10 mi n) after capture in order to establish reference values for creatine k inase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Plasma CK and LDH values ( mean +/- SEM U/l (range)) were 335.9 +/- 24.2 U/l (134-684 U/l) and 49 3.3 +/- 24.1 U/l (273-793 U/l), respectively in this group. These valu es were compared with levels in clinically normal birds sampled at dif ferent time intervals following capture and translocation. Plasma CK a nd LDH concentrations were markedly elevated in bustards following rou tine capture, handling and translocation at 0.5-1, 6, 24, 48 and 72 h, but had returned to normal ranges after 14 days. Maximum CK and LDH l evels occurred in samples collected 24 h after capture and they were 1 5 and 3.5-fold higher than the reference levels, respectively. These r esults show that a significant amount of muscle damage may occur durin g routine capture, handling and translocation procedures of bustards. They also indicate that consideration should be given to previous epis odes of handling or translocation when interpreting plasma CK and LDH values in bustards.