Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values for the wild Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, from the Venezuelan plains

Abstract

Minor differences between the values obtained for wild Spectacled Caimans and those previously published for this species may be related to differences in methodology and environmental conditions. Availability of hematologic and serum biochemical reference values will be useful for accurate diagnosis and management of disease in this species.

Valores Hematológicos y Bioquímica Sérica del Caimán Blanco (Caiman crocodilus) de Vida Libre en Madre de Dios, Perú

“…En tortugas se ha observado un aumento de eritrocitos tras el periodo de hibernación en época de invierno; sin embargo, en caimanes neotropicales no se ha descrito hibernación, sino solo un cierto grado de letargia durante la época húmeda (IUCN, 1986). Por otro lado, los valores de hematocrito y hemoglobina fueron bastante similares a los hallazgos en el estudio venezolano (Rossini et al, 2011). No obstante, se reporta una variación del hematocrito según la edad, sexo y efecto climático en reptiles (Arcila et …”

The post-occipital spinal venous sinus of the Nile crocodile (<i>Crocodylus niloticus</i>): Its anatomy and use for blood sample collection and intravenous infusions

“…Blood samples are routinely collected from crocodilians for general health examination purposes (Huchzermeyer 2003), pharmacokinetic studies (Helmick et al 2004a(Helmick et al , 2004bMartelli et al 2009), ecotoxicological monitoring (Bermudez et al 2005;Milnes et al 2002), endocrinological investigations (Boggs et al 2011;Edwards et al 2004; or other research projects (Franklin et al 2003). Laboratory investigations very often depend on the ability of the clinician or scientist to collect appropriate blood samples as atraumatically as possible from live crocodilians (Lovely, Pittman & Leslie 2007;Millan et al 1997;Rossini et al 2011;Zayas et al 2011).…”

“…The most commonly used anatomical access points for venipuncture and blood collection from crocodilians are: the dorsal neck (Bermudez et al 2005;Jacobson 1984;Lloyd & Morris 1999;Martelli et al 2009;Milnes et al 2002;Olson, Hessler & Faith 1975;Pothiwong, Prachammuang & Koykol 2000;Sykes & Klaphake 2008), ventral tail (Gorzula, Arocha-Piñango & Salazar 1976;Rossini et al 2011), dorsal tail (Huchzermeyer 2003) and temporal (Samour et al 1984) regions. Blood can also be collected directly from the heart (Carmena-Suero et al 1979;Jacobson 1984;Lloyd & Morris 1999).…”

Monsters and dragons and sharks – oh my!

“…In this issue of Veterinary Clinical Pathology , there are 4 articles attempting to define medical reference intervals in uncommon species, namely Gila monsters, bearded dragons, wobbegong sharks, and crocodiles. These publications exemplify the rationale behind the ASVCP Quality Assurance and Laboratory Standards (QALS) Committee's decision in 2007 to pursue reference interval guidelines 1–4 . Reference intervals are a relatively recent concept that was originally proposed in 1969 5 .…”