• Marla Lichtenberger, Connie Orcutt, Carolyn Cray, Douglas H Thamm, Daniel DeBehnke, Cheryl Page, Lori Mull, and Rebecca Kirby.
• Milwaukee Emergency Clinic for Animals and Referral Services, Greenfield, WI 53228, USA. marlavet@aol.com
• J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio). 2009 Oct 1;19(5):467-72.

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the LD(50) for acute blood loss in mallard ducks (Anas platyrhynchos), compare the mortality rate among 3 fluid resuscitation groups, and determine the time required for a regenerative RBC response.DesignProspective study.SettingMedical College of Wisconsin Research facility.AnimalsEighteen mallard ducks were included for the LD(50) study and 28 for the fluid resuscitation study.InterventionsPhlebotomy was performed during both the LD(50) and fluid resuscitation studies. Ducks in the fluid resuscitation study received a 5 mL/kg intravenous bolus of crystalloids, hetastarch (HES), or a hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution (HBOCS).Measurements And Main ResultsThe LD(50) for acute blood loss was 60% of total blood volume. This blood volume was removed in the fluid resuscitation study to create a model of acute blood loss. Following fluid administration, 6 birds in the crystalloid group (66%), 4 birds in the HES group (40%), and 2 birds in the HBOCS group (20%) died. No statistical difference in mortality rate was seen among the 3 fluid resuscitation groups. Relative polychromasia evaluated post-phlebotomy demonstrated regeneration starting at 24 hours and continuing through 48 hours.ConclusionsThe LD(50) for acute blood loss in mallard ducks was 60% of their total blood volume. Although no statistical difference in mortality rate was appreciated among the 3 fluid resuscitation groups, a trend of decreased mortality rate was observed in the HBOCS group. An early regenerative response was apparent following acute blood loss.

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