Hematology and serum biochemistry comparison in wild and captive Central American river turtles (Dermatemys mawii) in Tabasco, Mexico.
Hematological and serum biochemistry analyses were determined on 51 Central American river turtles (Dermatemys mawii) during the dry and rainy seasons of 2006. Turtles came from two sites: Pantanos de Centla Biosphere Reserve and a turtle breeding farm, both located in Tabasco State, Mexico. Physical examination and body measures of animals were performed. Incidence and prevalence of hemoparasites were explored. Captive organisms were in poor physical condition while wild turtles were apparently healthy. There were differences in several hematological parameters related with the condition and the season. During the dry season captive turtles exhibited higher levels of uric acid and urea, as well as lower levels of glucose. Haemogregarina sp. was detected in 100% of the wild individuals, but not in captive individuals. Its incidence was greater during the rainy season. This is the first health assessment and hematology study of this critically endangered species.
Rangel-Mendoza
Judith
J
Departamento de Aprovechamiento y Manejo de Recursos Acuáticos, El Colegio de la Frontera Sur, Villahermosa, CP 86280 Tabasco, Mexico. jarangelme@unal.edu.co
Weber
Manuel
M
Zenteno-Ruiz
Claudia E
CE
López-Luna
Marco A
MA
Barba-Macías
Everardo
E
D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic / Q000097:blood / Q000469:parasitology; D000835:Animals, Wild / Q000097:blood / Q000469:parasitology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D005618:Fresh Water; D006405:Hematology / Q000379:methods; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008800:Mexico; D011891:Rain; D045483:Rivers; D012621:Seasons; D014426:Turtles / Q000097:blood* / Q000469:parasitology
D001786:Blood Glucose; D001798:Blood Proteins; D006454:Hemoglobins; D008055:Lipids; D002784:Cholesterol