Functional Hematology of Ringed Seals (Phoca hispida) in the Canadian Arctic

Hemograms from 20 netted and 6 shot ringed seals (Phoca hispida) were studied. Changes in red and white cell values in netted seals offer evidence for functioning sympathetic and adrenal–cortical stress pathways. The very high blood oxygen carrying capacity of ringed seals suggests that the animal is capable of deep or sustained dives. A technique for blood sampling from the vertebral "extradural" vein is described.