Baseline morphometric, haematological and plasma biochemical parameters in free‐ranging eastern water dragons (Intellagama lesueurii lesueurii)

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.

In this issue – November 2018: Anaesthesia standards of care · Novel technique for patella luxation · High blood lead in captive Tasmanian devils · Baseline biochemical parameters in eastern water dragons · controlled‐release devices for chromium and zinc in alpacas · Magnetic resonance vs radiographic imaging in equine navicular bone partition · Shunt morphology and surgical management in dogs

“…This is important data that will contribute significantly useful information for the management of captive and free ranging populations of water dragons . It is also important because these animals act as an indicator species for monitoring human environmental impacts.…”

Location has a significant effect on body condition and blood parameters in the eastern longneck turtle (Chelodina longicollis)

“…Although details surrounding the methods and collection sites for venipuncture are relatively well described in a range of herptiles (de la Navarre 2006), analysis of results can be hampered by a lack of understanding of normal homeostasis in these non-domestic species. Blood parameters in herpetofauna are highly influenced by a range of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, including age (Eva et al 2022), sex (Bielli et al 2015;Johnson et al 2018;Howard and Jaensch 2021), reproductive status (Rafferty et al 2014;Howard and Jaensch 2021), season (Andrade et al 2004;Bryant et al 2012;Howard and Jaensch 2021), location (Bryant et al 2012;Scheelings et al 2020) and environment (Day et al 2007). This variability makes the use of reference intervals for determining health or disease in reptiles problematic, especially when these data have been generated from a single population at a specific point in time.…”