Hematology and Plasma Biochemistry Values for the Giant Garter Snake (Thamnophis Gigas) and Valley Garter Snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis Fitchi) in the Central Valley of California

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Hematology and plasma biochemistry parameters are useful in the assessment and management of threatened and endangered species. Although reference ranges are readily available for many mammalian species, reference ranges for snakes are lacking for most species. We determined hematology and plasma biochemistry reference ranges for giant garter snakes (Thamnophis gigas) and valley garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi) living in four management areas in the Central Valley of California. White blood cell, heterophil, lymphocyte, and azurophil counts in giant garter snakes were approximately twice the values of valley garter snakes. Statistically significant differences in aspartate aminotransferase, globulin, and potassium between the two species did not appear clinically significant. No significant differences were found in the measured parameters between male and female giant garter snakes. Some differences were found among collection sites. These reference ranges provide baseline data for comparisons over time and between collection sites.

Venous hematology, biochemistry, and blood gas analysis of free-ranging Eastern Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) and Eastern Ratsnakes (Pantherophis alleghaniensis)

“…Although previous studies have reported baseline biochemical, blood gas, and hematology values for other viperid and colubrid snakes, this is the first study to establish guidelines for the interpretation of these analytes in copperheads and ratsnakes. The hematological and plasma biochemical results for copperheads and ratsnakes reported in this study were consistent with previously published values for both viperid and colubrid snakes, with the exception of higher leukocyte counts in the copperheads [4,[32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39]. This difference may be attributed to many variables such as species, age, size, time of year, methodology, and instrumentation [4,34,40].…”

Statistical methodology for the evaluation of leukocyte data in wild reptile populations: A case study with the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis)

“…Such a kind of approach can provide reliable data when dealing with pets or farm animals, which live in strictly controlled conditions that sensibly reduce all those sources of variation in leukocyte profile proper to natural conditions, such as habitat heterogeneity, climatic variability, food distribution, and competition with other species, just to name a few. The effect of these external factors on leukocyte profile in wild populations, however, cannot be disregarded, as they can be one of the main causes of variation among populations, all over the range of the species [ 6 , 7 ].…”

Determination of the effects of environmental pollution on the Balkan terrapin, Mauremys rivulata (Valenciennes, 1833)

“…This is a proof that the Gökçeada water system is under significant pressure in terms of faecal pollution. The haematological and plasma biochemistry values determined to evaluate the health status of reptiles are affected by many internal and external environmental factors such as season, metabolic activity, reproductive cycle, age, sex, habitat, photoperiod and climate (Hidalgo-Vila et al, 2007;Wack et al, 2012). In this study, the RBC count, Hb concentration and WBC count were determined to be lower in the Dardanos samples.…”