Laboratory reference values for a group of captive Ball Pythons (Python regius)
OBJECTIVE
Laboratory reference values, including hematologic and serum biochemical variables, and oropharyngeal bacteria flora, were determined in a group of captive Ball Pythons (Python regius).


METHODS
20 adult Ball Pythons, weighing between 700 and 1,510 g, were allowed to acclimate at the recommended temperature range for the species (25 C night-time, up to 30 C daytime), then were evaluated for internal parasites and treated with appropriate medication prior to the start of the study.


METHODS
Hematologic values determined included WBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, plasma protein, and differential cell count. Clinical biochemical analysis included determination of glucose, uric acid, calcium, phosphorus, total protein, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and aspartate transaminase values. In addition to blood values, oropharyngeal swab specimens of the mouth were submitted for culture to determine the species of bacteria found in this population. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each hematologic and clinical biochemical value. Mean, SEM, and ranges were calculated.


RESULTS
Hematologic values were similar to those reported in other snake species, except the hematocrit, which was lower. Clinical biochemical values different from those of other species were alkaline phosphatase activity, which was lower, and calcium and phosphorus concentrations, which were lower than values in other species. Bacteria isolated from the oropharynx were principally gram-negative organisms.


CONCLUSIONS
Reference intervals reported in this study are important for establishing a database for comparative studies of Ball Pythons in other locations and under different husbandry conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
Accumulated laboratory reference values will assist veterinarians in assessing the health status of Ball Pythons.
Johnson
J H
JH
Department of Large Animal Medicine and Surgery, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station 77843-4475, USA.
Benson
P A
PA
D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase / Q000097:blood; D000818:Animals; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001420:Bacteria, Aerobic / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D017821:Boidae / Q000097:blood* / Q000382:microbiology*; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D009960:Oropharynx / Q000382:microbiology; D012016:Reference Values; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D001798:Blood Proteins; D004573:Electrolytes; D006454:Hemoglobins; D014527:Uric Acid; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase; D000469:Alkaline Phosphatase