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Trivalairat P, Trivalairat K, Tassamakorn A, Purivirojkul W. Blood recovery of wild Mekong snail-eating turtles ( Malayemys subtrijuga Schlegel and Müller, 1845) in captivity from leech infestation. Int J Parasitol Parasites Wildl 2023; 22:126-135. [PMID: 37854273 PMCID: PMC10579961 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijppaw.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Blood cell counts are valuable diagnostic tools for assessing the health status of chelonians, however, reference standards for healthy blood parameters in various turtle species are lacking. In this study, forty wild female Malayemys subtrijuga were captured from ponds in Kasetsart University, and transported to laboratory for recuperating in captivity. All turtles were infected with a single leech species, Placobdelloides siamensis, with a mean of 513.7 ± 164.9 individuals per turtle, and exhibited penetrating and lesion wounds from leech infestations on both their skin and shell. Subsequently, they were cleaned and treated to eliminate ecto- and endoparasites before the recuperation period began. The turtles did not exhibit significantly differences in weight, carapace length (CL), red blood cell count (RCC), and white blood cell count (WCC) with a mean of 654.2 ± 199.9 g, 15.0 ± 2.5 cm, 327,080 ± 70,156 cells/mm3, and 73,340 ± 15,859 cells/mm3, respectively, during the initial records (week 0). However, after being maintained for 17 weeks, their health significantly improved in term of their blood parameters (RCC and WCC) and weight, except CL which remained unchanged, with a mean of 491,470 ± 16,169 cells/mm3, 18,790 ± 1496 cells/mm3, and 738.9 ± 191.5 g, respectively. Therefore, the health status obtained in this study can be used as a reference for blood parameters, weight, and recuperation period for the treatment of ill wild M. subtrijuga in captivity or as part of conservation management programs for turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poramad Trivalairat
- Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
- Animal Systematics and Ecology Speciality Research Unit (ASESRU), Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
| | - Krittiya Trivalairat
- Animal Systematics and Ecology Speciality Research Unit (ASESRU), Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Awirut Tassamakorn
- Chulabhorn Royal Academy, 906 Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok, 10210, Thailand
| | - Watchariya Purivirojkul
- Animal Systematics and Ecology Speciality Research Unit (ASESRU), Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, 50 Ngam Wong Wan Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
- Biodiversity Center, Kasetsart University (BDCKU), Bangkok, 10900, Thailand
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Pulcherio R, Rocha M, Barros RD, Brito E, Santos D, Mendonça A, Strüssmann C, Ferraz R. The influence of season, environment, sex, and body mass on biochemical profile of the freshwater turtle Phrynops geoffroanus (Schweigger, 1812). ARQ BRAS MED VET ZOO 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/1678-4162-12726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT We analyzed the influence of the season, the environment, and the sex, as well as the relation of body mass (BM) in the serum albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (C), creatine kinase (CK), phosphorus (P), total calcium (tCa), total protein (TP), urea (U), uric acid (UA), calcium:phosphorus ratio (Ca:P), and the globulin value (GV) of thirty individuals of Phrynops geoffroanus of the urban area of Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil. The modeling of biochemical parameters was performed using the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) to verify the influence of variables considered in this study on each of the biochemical parameters analyzed. The season influenced AST, CK, C, tCa, Ca:P and UA. The environment influenced tCa, Ca:P, U and UA. On the other hand, CK, tCa, P, Ca:P and U differed significantly between males and females. Regarding the BM, a relationship of this variable was observed with CK, C, tCa, P, U, UA and Ca:P. We concluded that the season, environment, sex, and body mass can influence the biochemical parameters of P. geoffroanus, and these factors should be routinely considered in the interpretation of laboratory results.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.S.L. Pulcherio
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brazil; Instituto Federal de Mato Grosso, Brasil
| | | | | | - E.S. Brito
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brazil
| | | | | | - C. Strüssmann
- Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brazil; Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Brazil
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3
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Adamovicz L, Allender MC. Clinical Pathology of Box Turtles (Terrapene spp.). Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2022; 25:735-754. [PMID: 36122949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Box turtles are commonly presented for veterinary care and clinicopathologic testing is a vital component of case management. This article summarizes recent literature about box turtle clinical pathology and identifies directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, 2001 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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4
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Andersson KE, Adamovicz L, Mumm LE, Bradley SE, Winter JM, Glowacki G, Cray C, Allender MC. Plasma electrophoresis profiles of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and influences of month, age, sex, health status, and location. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0258397. [PMID: 34648539 PMCID: PMC8516212 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Baseline plasma electrophoresis profiles (EPH) are important components of overall health and may aid in the conservation and captive management of species. The aim of this study was to establish plasma protein fractions for free-ranging Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) and evaluate differences due to age class (adult vs. sub-adult vs. juvenile), sex (male, female, or unknown), year (2018 vs. 2019), month (May vs. June vs. July), health status, and geographical location (managed vs. unmanaged sites). Blood samples were obtained from 156 Blanding’s turtles in the summer of 2018 and 129 in 2019 at two adjacent sites in Illinois. Results of the multivariate analysis demonstrated that age class, sex, year, month, health status, and geographical location all contributed to the variation observed in free-ranging populations. Adult females had the highest concentration of many protein fractions, likely associated with reproductive activity. Juveniles had lower protein concentrations. Temperature and rainfall differences between years impacted concentrations between 2018 and 2019, while May and June of both years saw higher levels in some protein fractions likely due to peak breeding and nesting season. Individuals with evidence of trauma or disease also showed increased plasma protein fractions when compared to those that were considered healthy. The two sites showed a wide/large variation over the two years. All of these factors emphasize the importance of considering multiple demographic or environmental factors when interpreting the EPH fractions. Establishing ranges for these analytes will allow investigation into disease prevalence and other environmental factors impacting this endangered species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten E. Andersson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KEA); (MCA)
| | - Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Lauren E. Mumm
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Samantha E. Bradley
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - John M. Winter
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Gary Glowacki
- Lake County Forest Preserve District, Libertyville, IL, United States of America
| | - Carolyn Cray
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Matthew C. Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
- * E-mail: (KEA); (MCA)
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Cann AA, Weber RR, Harden LA, Thompson D, Nadolski J, Mattes J, Karwowska A, Shahjahan S, Milanovich JR. Physiological Health and Survival of Captive-Reared and Released Juvenile Blanding's Turtles. Physiol Biochem Zool 2021; 94:411-428. [PMID: 34569914 DOI: 10.1086/716832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
AbstractConservation translocations are important in maintaining viable wildlife populations of vulnerable species within their indigenous ranges. To be effective, population restoration efforts (e.g., head start programs) must consider the species' life history, regional ecology, and physiology and the health status of wild and translocated populations. The decline of Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) has prompted the initiation of head start programs, but the health and short-term survival of head-started juveniles released to the wild is largely unknown. From May to October 2016 and 2017, we radio tracked captive-reared, recently released juvenile Blanding's turtles and monitored their survivorship and monthly physiological health. We aimed to (1) compare physiological metrics of juveniles before and after release from captivity and between head-started cohorts, (2) identify seasonal trends in physiological metrics of recently released juveniles, (3) compare physiological metrics of recently released and formerly released juveniles, and (4) identify predictors of juvenile survivorship after release from captivity. Juvenile short-term survival was low compared with other studies. Most physiological metrics did not change after release from captivity, negating significant juvenile stress before or after release. Physiological metrics for recently released cohorts varied seasonally, suggesting that these juveniles were likely in good health. Some physiological metrics differed between recently released and formerly released juveniles, demonstrating a potential postrelease acclimatization period. Finally, no physiological metrics significantly predicted survival, but surviving juveniles had a higher percentage of fat. In all, juvenile deaths were not due to poor turtle health but rather to predation from human-subsidized mesocarnivores. Therefore, head-started juvenile Blanding's turtles released in suburban areas may benefit from antipredator training and mesocarnivore control at release sites.
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PLASMA VORICONAZOLE CONCENTRATIONS FOLLOWING SINGLE- AND MULTIPLE-DOSE SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTIONS IN WESTERN POND TURTLES ( ACTINEMYS MARMORATA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2021; 52:538-547. [PMID: 34130396 DOI: 10.1638/2020-0161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A recently characterized fungal pathogen, Emydomyces testavorans, has been associated with ulcerative shell disease and significant morbidity in Western pond turtles. Voriconazole is a second-generation triazole antifungal medication that prevents fungal growth through disruption of ergosterol synthesis, causing abnormalities in the fungal cell membrane. Preliminary reports of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) indicate that voriconazole is effective in vitro against E. testavorans. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography was used to measure voriconazole plasma concentrations in blood samples from healthy Western pond turtles after administration of a single SC injection of 10 mg/kg and after multiple doses (10 mg/kg SC q48h for seven doses). The data were analyzed using a naïve pooled approach. Mean (SE) observed time to maximum concentration was 2 (0.18) h for a single dose and 50 (2.2) h for multiple doses; the multiple-dose trial observed mean (SE) maximum concentration was 12.4 (2.2) µg/ml, and observed mean (SE) trough concentration was 1.7 (0.7) µg/ml. Multifocal skin sloughing following the single-dose trial was observed in one turtle and there was a significant increase in polychromatophilic cells amongst the study turtles after the multiple-dose voriconazole trial. No other adverse effects were observed. When voriconazole was administered at 10 mg/kg SC q48h, observed trough plasma concentrations were consistently higher than reported E. testavorans MIC concentrations. Further study is needed to determine the clinical safety and in vivo efficacy of this dose in Western pond turtles.
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Franco dos Santos DJ, Berger V, Cristofari R, Htut W, Nyein UK, Aung HH, Reichert S, Lummaa V. Seasonal variation of health in Asian elephants. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 8:coaa119. [PMID: 33408865 PMCID: PMC7771574 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coaa119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-lived species are often predicted to be buffered against seasonal variation: longevity means low annual mortality and reproductive rates and annual variability in climate may therefore have a smaller impact on population growth rates of long-lived species in comparison to short-lived ones. However, little is known of the physiological mechanisms underlying such patterns in long-lived species. In this study, we investigated seasonal variation in the health of Asian elephants living in a seasonal monsoon climate. We used two complementary methods: (i) global and (ii) trait-by-trait analyses of seasonal effects on 23 health parameters of 225 individually marked elephants with known age and reproductive and health history, with repeated measures per individual over a 26-month period. The global analysis highlighted the biggest differences in health between the hot and monsoon seasons. Our trait-specific analyses identified the physiological functions underlying such health variation in different ecological settings, including haematological, immunological, muscular, kidney and liver functions, as well as protein balance and electrolytes. Overall, the results suggest that even long-lived, large mammals may experience physiological changes in response to seasonal variation that in extreme circumstances can pose a significant health risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vérane Berger
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Robin Cristofari
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Win Htut
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - U Kyaw Nyein
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Htoo Htoo Aung
- Myanma Timber Enterprise, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation, West Gyogone Forest Compound, Bayint Naung Road, 11011 Insein Township, Yangon, Myanmar
| | - Sophie Reichert
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Virpi Lummaa
- Department of Biology, University of Turku, Yliopistonmäki (Vesilinnantie 5) 20014 Turku, Finland
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8
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Gradela A, Souza VN, Queiroz MM, Constantino AC, Faria MD, Pires IC, Correa FM. Serum biochemistry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi ( Testudines: Emydidae) bred in captivity in the Northeastern semiarid region of Brazil. Vet World 2020; 13:1083-1090. [PMID: 32801558 PMCID: PMC7396337 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2020.1083-1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess fundamental biochemical values of healthy animals and to provide useful data on comparative physiologies of Testudines, being assessed the serum biochemistry profiles, and body and tail biometry of Trachemys scripta elegans and Trachemys dorbignyi bred in interaction in the semiarid region of the São Francisco river valley. Materials and Methods: Serum biochemistry variables (urea, creatinine, glucose, total serum protein, albumin, globulin, and albumin/globulin ratio), and biometry values of the body (mass [body mass (BM)], maximum curvilinear length [carapace length (CL)], and width [carapace width (CW)] of the carapace, maximum curvilinear length [plastron length (PL)], and width [plastron width PW] of the plastron), and the tail (total length of the tail [TLT], pre-cloacal tail length [PrCL], post-cloacal tail length [PoCL]) were measured after 24 h fasting. Results: T. s. elegans displayed higher BM, CL, CW, PL, PW, AST, TP, albumin, and globulin values. T. dorbignyi displayed higher values of glucose, TLT, and PrCL. Variables aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total protein (TP) in T. s. elegans and glucose in T. dorbignyi explained most of the variance between the species and could serve to distinguish them. Conclusion: We conclude that most of the differences between T. s. elegans and T. dorbignyi shall be explained by biometric variables, AST, TP, and glucose, which characterize interspecific differences. Our results point out terms of reference for these species bred in captivity in the semiarid region of Brazilian Northeastern region and serve as a model for the comparative intra- and inter-species physiology and as a base for the health assessment of these species.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gradela
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - V N Souza
- ALPHA Veterinary Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M M Queiroz
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - A C Constantino
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - M D Faria
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - I C Pires
- Collegiate of Veterinary Medicine, Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco, Petrolina, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - F M Correa
- Department of Statistics, Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa
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9
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Mumm LE, Winter JM, Andersson KE, Glowacki GA, Adamovicz LA, Allender MC. Hematology and plasma biochemistries in the Blanding's turtle (Emydoidea blandingii) in Lake County, Illinois. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225130. [PMID: 31730637 PMCID: PMC6857950 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chelonians are one of the most imperiled vertebrate taxa on the planet due to changes in the environment, anthropogenic influences, and disease. Over the last two decades, conservation strategies including nest protection, head-starting and meso-predator control have been successfully adopted by the Lake County Forest Preserve District for a population of state-endangered Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) in Illinois. Only recently have efforts expanded to assess the effects of management action on turtle health. The objectives of this study were to 1) establish reference intervals for 16 hematologic and plasma biochemical analytes in free-ranging Blanding's turtles, 2) characterize demographic and temporal drivers of clinical pathology values including age class, sex, month, and year, and 3) describe bloodwork differences between a managed (SBCP) and unmanaged (IBSP) study site. Hematology and plasma biochemistries were performed for 393 turtles from 2017-18 at two sites in the Lake Plain region. Subject or population-based reference intervals were established based on the index of individuality per American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Analytes differed by age class [packed cell volume (PCV), total solids (TS), total white blood cell counts (WBC), heterophils, lymphocytes, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio (H:L), total calcium (Ca), calcium:phosphorous (Ca:P), bile acids (BA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST)], sex [H:L, Ca, phosphorus (P), Ca:P, creatine kinase (CK)], month [eosinophils, H:L, Ca, P, uric acid (UA), AST], and year [PCV, WBC, lymphocytes, basophils, H:L, Ca, P, UA]. Several analytes also varied by site [PCV, TS, monocytes, eosinophils, P, UA, AST], suggesting that health status may be affected by habitat management or lack thereof. The results of this study provide a baseline for ongoing health assessments in this region as well as across the Blanding's turtle range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. Mumm
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - John M. Winter
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Kirsten E. Andersson
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Gary A. Glowacki
- Lake County Forest Preserves, Libertyville, IL, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Matthew C. Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States of America
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Boers KL, Allender MC, Novak LJ, Palmer J, Adamovicz L, Deem SL. Assessment of hematologic and corticosterone response in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) at capture and after handling. Zoo Biol 2019; 39:13-22. [PMID: 31609016 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hematology is a common tool for wildlife health assessments. Manual leukocyte counts are required in reptiles, however, disagreement between quantification methods has been observed in some chelonians. This study determined agreement between two methods of leukocyte quantification, eosinophilic leukopet, and blood film white blood cell (WBC) estimates, in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina). Simultaneously, we assessed the impact of handling duration on both leukocyte quantity and corticosterone levels. We collected blood at capture (<2 min from disturbance) and again before release 30-150 min later from 92 box turtles at six sites in Illinois and Tennessee. Constant and proportional error was present in the leukopet results for WBC, lymphocytes, and basophils compared to the estimate method. Both methods were in agreement for heterophils, monocytes, and eosinophils. Agreement between the methods was significantly more likely at WBC counts below 23,241/µl. All hematologic parameters were significantly higher at the final blood draw compared to the initial blood draw using both WBC determination methods, except relative eosinophil and basophil counts. Corticosterone levels varied with time, with maximum concentrations reached at 54 min postcapture, followed by a rapid return to baseline levels. Corticosterone level was not significantly associated with any hematologic parameter or sex. This study provides a framework for understanding the effects of animal handling methodology and diagnostic modality when evaluating hematologic health in box turtles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla L Boers
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Lauren J Novak
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Jamie Palmer
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Sharon L Deem
- Institute for Conservation Medicine, Saint Louis Zoo, St. Louis, Missouri
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11
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Johnson R, Harlow PS, Phillips CA, Hall E. Baseline morphometric, haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in free-ranging eastern water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii). Aust Vet J 2018; 96:450-457. [PMID: 30370595 DOI: 10.1111/avj.12755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2017] [Revised: 04/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine baseline reference data for morphometric measurements and haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in clinically healthy eastern water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii), accounting for the variables of season and sex. The clinical objective was to provide clinicians and researchers with baseline reference intervals (RIs) in order to assess accurately the health of a population or individual animals. METHODS The study group comprised 39 free-ranging eastern water dragons. To monitor seasonal changes in data two study periods were assigned: September-October 2009 (spring) and January-March 2010 (summer). The 18 males and 21 females were captured in the grounds of Taronga Zoo, Mosman (33°50'45'' S, 151°15'20'' E) in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Basic morphometric, haematological and plasma biochemical parameters were measured. RIs were generated in accordance with the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines. Data were analysed for the effects of sex, season and sex-season interactions using restricted maximal likelihood modelling. RESULTS Reference values were established in eastern water dragons for morphometric data and RIs were generated for haematological and plasma biochemical levels. The study showed seasonal variation in uric acid. Weight, total length, snout-vent length and basophil % showed significant differences according to sex. Sex-season interactions were detected for calcium, monocyte % and total protein (refractometry). CONCLUSION Multiple parameters exhibited normal physiological variation between season and sex and an interaction between the two factors. These variables need to be considered in the clinical context when interpreting results of haematological and biochemical analyses in eastern water dragons. The RIs established from this population will provide a basis for further studies in both free-living and captive eastern water dragons, and for comparison in clinical cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rsp Johnson
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia.,South Penrith Veterinary Clinic, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - P S Harlow
- Taronga Conservation Society Australia, Mosman, New South Wales, 2088, Australia
| | - C A Phillips
- South Penrith Veterinary Clinic, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ejs Hall
- The University of Sydney, Camden, NSW, Australia
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Adamovicz L, Leister K, Byrd J, Phillips CA, Allender MC. Venous blood gas in free-living eastern box turtles ( Terrapene carolina carolina) and effects of physiologic, demographic and environmental factors. CONSERVATION PHYSIOLOGY 2018; 6:coy041. [PMID: 30087775 PMCID: PMC6059089 DOI: 10.1093/conphys/coy041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Sustainable wildlife populations depend on healthy individuals, and the approach to determine wellness of individuals is multifaceted. Blood gas analysis serves as a useful adjunctive diagnostic test for health assessment, but it is uncommonly applied to terrestrial reptiles. This study established reference intervals for venous blood gas panels in free-living eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina, N = 102) from Illinois and Tennessee, and modeled the effects of environmental and physiologic parameters on each blood gas analyte. Blood gas panels included pH, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), total carbon dioxide (TCO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), base excess (BE) and lactate. Candidate sets of general linear models were constructed for each blood gas analyte and ranked using an information-theoretic approach (AIC). Season, packed cell volume (PCV) and activity level were the most important predictors for all blood gas analytes (P < 0.05). Elevations in PCV were associated with increases in pCO2 and lactate, and decreases in pH, pO2, HCO3-, TCO2 and BE. Turtles with quiet activity levels had lower pH and pO2 and higher pCO2 than bright individuals. pH, HCO3-, TCO2 and BE were lowest in the summer, while pCO2 and lactate were highest. Overall, blood pH was most acidic in quiet turtles with elevated PCVs during summer. Trends in the respiratory and metabolic components of the blood gas panel tended to be synergistic rather than antagonistic, demonstrating that either (1) mixed acid-base disturbances are common or (2) chelonian blood pH can reach extreme values prior to activation of compensatory mechanisms. This study shows that box turtle blood gas analytes depend on several physiologic and environmental parameters and the results serve as a baseline for future evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Adamovicz
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - Katie Leister
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, USA
| | - John Byrd
- Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization Oak Ridge, TN, USA
| | - Christopher A Phillips
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL 61820, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL 61802, USA
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Blood Biochemical Reference Intervals for Wild Ornate Box Turtles ( Terrapene ornata) during the Active Season. J Wildl Dis 2018; 54:587-591. [PMID: 29561712 DOI: 10.7589/2017-09-222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Blood biochemical and hematology analyses are helpful indicators of the physiologic health of animals, particularly when making conservation and management decisions for threatened species. In this study, we 1) established blood biochemical reference intervals for two populations of threatened, free-ranging ornate box turtles ( Terrapene ornata) in northern Illinois during their active season and 2) examined the effects of individual carapace temperature ( Tc) on blood biochemical variables by using a Bayesian hierarchical framework. Individual blood variables differed throughout the active season (May-September 2015), but there were few distinct patterns in concentrations over time. When controlling for individual variability, blood biochemical variables potassium, sodium, chloride, ionized calcium, hematocrit (percentage of packed cell volume), and osmolality showed no effect of Tc (i.e., slope estimates for these variables were not credibly different from zero) and had little individual variation. Glucose and urea nitrogen were found to have slopes credibly different from zero, with glucose having an estimated positive slope and urea nitrogen having an estimated negative slope, suggesting different relationships in response to Tc when controlling for individual variability. These physiologic blood data will serve as important baseline reference values for the clinical evaluation of wild ornate box turtles presented for veterinary care or for comparison to other studies of wild populations. Further, this study highlights the importance of considering individual-level effects (e.g., Tc) on physiologic health variables.
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Lloyd TC, Allender MC, Archer G, Phillips CA, Byrd J, Moore AR. Modeling Hematologic and Biochemical Parameters with Spatiotemporal Analysis for the Free-Ranging Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) in Illinois and Tennessee, a Potential Biosentinel. ECOHEALTH 2016; 13:467-479. [PMID: 27384647 DOI: 10.1007/s10393-016-1142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 06/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Box turtles are long-lived, inhabit both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, and have relatively small home ranges making them a suitable candidate as a sentinel. To characterize their changes in response to environmental health, assessment of observed variation of this species is required. Thus, a comparative health assessment was employed in 825 Eastern box turtles in east central Illinois and Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to establish a baseline health assessment with regard to sex, age class, season, and location, identify temporal trends, and map parameters. Hematological and plasma biochemical variables measured included packed cell volume, total solids, white blood cell and differential counts, calcium, phosphorus, aspartate aminotransferase, bile acids, creatine kinase, and uric acid. These variables were reduced to four principle components that explained 68.8 % of the cumulative variance. The top model included the main effects of year, location, and sex, but no interactions. Spatial analysis of turtles in Tennessee demonstrated increased WBC and decreased PCV in 2011 associated with a clear-cut silviculture site. The results of this health assessment can serve as a baseline of population health in future studies and aid in the utility of this species as a sentinel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terrell C Lloyd
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Matthew C Allender
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL, 61802, USA.
| | - Grace Archer
- Wildlife Epidemiology Lab, Department of Comparative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois, 2001 S. Lincoln Ave., Urbana, IL, 61802, USA
| | - Christopher A Phillips
- Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, 1816 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL, 61820, USA
| | - John Byrd
- The Clinch River Environmental Studies Organization, Oak Ridge, TN, 37716, USA
| | - A Russell Moore
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, 80523, USA
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16
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Abstract
The basic principles of hematology used in mammalian medicine can be applied to reptiles. The appearances of the blood cells are significantly different from those seen in most mammals, and vary with taxa and staining method used. Many causes for abnormalities of the reptilian hemogram are similar to those for mammals, although additional factors such as venipuncture site, season, hibernation status, captivity status, and environmental factors can also affect values, making interpretation of hematologic results challenging. Values in an individual should be compared with reference ranges specific to that species, gender, and environmental conditions when available.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Sykes
- Zoological Health Program, Wildlife Conservation Society, Bronx Zoo, 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, USA.
| | - Eric Klaphake
- Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80906, USA
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Abstract
Historically, reference intervals (RI) have come from many sources and been generated by several methods and sample sizes. As RI generation has matured in human laboratory medicine, important guidelines have been adopted in veterinary medicine. Although meeting the goals of these guidelines may be difficult, especially with avian and exotic species, sets of 20 to 40 samples can be used with proper statistical calculations, and other viable alternatives have been examined. The adoption and knowledge of these different methods are important to make a positive move forward in RI generation for special species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Cray
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, PO Box 016960 (R-46), Miami, FL 33101, USA.
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Blake S, Guézou A, Deem SL, Yackulic CB, Cabrera F. The Dominance of Introduced Plant Species in the Diets of Migratory Galapagos Tortoises Increases with Elevation on a Human-Occupied Island. Biotropica 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/btp.12195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Blake
- Max Planck Institute for Ornithology; Vogelwarte Radolfzell; Schlossallee 2 Radolfzell D-78315 Germany
- Whitney R. Harris; World Ecology Center; University of Missouri-St. Louis; B216 Benton Hall One University Boulevard St. Louis MO 63121-4400 U.S.A
- WildCare Institute; Saint Louis Zoo; 1 Government Drive St. Louis MO 63110 U.S.A
- Department of Biology; Washington University; Campus Box 1137 1 Brookings Drive St. Louis MO 63130 U.S.A
- 247 Illick Hall; State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry; 1 Forestry Drive Syracuse NY 13210 U.S.A
| | - Anne Guézou
- Charles Darwin Foundation; Isla Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora Casilla Quito Galápagos 17-01-3891 Ecuador
| | - Sharon L. Deem
- Whitney R. Harris; World Ecology Center; University of Missouri-St. Louis; B216 Benton Hall One University Boulevard St. Louis MO 63121-4400 U.S.A
- Institute for Conservation Medicine; Saint Louis Zoo; 1 Government Drive St. Louis MO 63110 U.S.A
| | - Charles B. Yackulic
- U.S. Geological Survey; Southwest Biological Science Center; Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center; 2255 North Gemini Drive (Mail Stop 9394) Flagstaff AZ 86001 U.S.A
| | - Fredy Cabrera
- Charles Darwin Foundation; Isla Santa Cruz Puerto Ayora Casilla Quito Galápagos 17-01-3891 Ecuador
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