Hematological profile, morphology, and morphometry of blood cells from healthy free-ranging neotropical Paraguayan hairy dwarf porcupines (Coendou spinosus) from the State of São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Hematologic analysis is a fundamental tool for screening, diagnosing, treating, and monitoring animal diseases, and it requires constant multidisciplinary collaboration to expand knowledge for exotic and free-ranging animals worldwide. The study aimed to determine the hematological parameters, morphology, and morphometry of blood cells from the wild Paraguayan hairy dwarf porcupine ( Coendou spinosus ), a medium-sized rodent relatively common in Southeastern Brazil, extending to Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. We analyzed the blood of 24 healthy free-ranging adult Coendou spinosus , immediately after admission to Wildlife Management and Conservation Center. The mean and standard deviation results obtained for males and females together were as follows: red blood cells (RBCs) (× 10 6 /µL): 4.47 (± 0.57); hemoglobin (g/dL): 12.03 (± 1.54); hematocrit (%): 38.29 (± 5.80); MCV (fL): 86.75 (± 16.23); MCH (pg) 27.21 (± 4.22); MCHC (%): 31.83 (± 4.52); total leukocytes (WBCs) (/µL): 8621.63 (± 5576.50); band neutrophils (/µL): 14 (± 58.18); segmented neutrophils (/µL): 2923.06 (± 1794.25); lymphocytes (/µL): 4930.62 (± 2050.88); eosinophils (/µL): 554.33 (± 747.90); monocytes (/µL): 178.92 (± 220.67); basophils (/µL): 20.69 (± 44.45); platelets (/µL): 782,844.44 (± 415,677.44); and total plasma protein (g/dL): 7.34 (± 0.54). No difference was found for males and females, except for total protein. Blood cell measurements were taken, and cell morphology was described. These hematological values can contribute to the medicine of Coendou spinosus , aiding in its conservation.