Hematological Parameters in the Ontogeny of the Pond Bat Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825 from the Urals

Hematological parameters were for the first time studied in female pond bats (Myotis dasycneme Boie, 1825) in the postnatal period. Significant changes in red blood cell indices were found to accompany the growth and development of pond bats, while white blood cell indices remained stable. Significant differences in erythropoiesis were observed between adults and yearlings. With age, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and platelet aggregation increased in pond bats; blood clotting processes became faster; and platelet involution was detected (p < 0.05). Neutrophil counts were elevated in adult females (47.0 ± 3.0%) and yearlings (39.8 ± 1.4%) (p < 0.05), suggesting active nonspecific defense against toxicities and viral and bacterial infections. In the lymphocyte-granulocyte composition of the peripheral blood, agranulocytes predominated regardless of the age, amounting to 58.5% in yearlings and 54.1% in adult females.