Fasciola hepatica: effects on blood constituents and liver minerals in fallow deer (Dama dama).

Haematological and serum biochemical constituents as well as the liver mineral concentrations can be affected by Fasciola hepatica. The present study compares the blood and liver constituents in 19 fallow deer with fascioliosis and in 43 without it. Blood samples, gastro-intestinal tract, lungs and liver were taken from 62 male and female fallow deer that were shot, aged 6 months and over, in enclosures, between 1999 and 2001 in Slovenia. Samples were analysed and the means of various parameters of blood and liver were determined. Significant differences in blood were found in the mean cell volume, total serum proteins, sodium, and calcium; and in liver and calcium and copper were higher in animals without fascioliosis. Mean cell haemoglobin concentration, eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose and copper in blood were significantly higher in animals with fascioliosis. It has been concluded that some of the values in fallow deer like in other domestic ruminants are the sensitive indicators of liver cell damage in fascioliosis.