title: Diagnostic hematology of reptiles.
abstract: The hematologic evaluation of reptiles is an indispensable diagnostic tool in exotic veterinary practice. The diversity of reptile species, their characteristic physiologic features, and effects of intrinsic and extrinsic factors present unique challenges for accurate interpretation of the hemogram. Combining the clinical presentation with hematologic findings provides valuable information in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease and helps guide the clinician toward therapy and further diagnostic testing. This article outlines the normal and pathologic morphology of blood cells of reptile species. The specific comparative aspects of reptiles are emphasized, and structural and functional abnormalities in the reptilian hemogram are described.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Aquatic Animal Health, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, 32608, USA. stacyn@vetmed.ufl.edu
authors.forename: Nicole I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Stacy
authors.forename: A Rick
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Alleman
authors.forename: Katherine A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Sayler
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000473:pathology*; D004777:Environment; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000662:veterinary; D012104:Reptiles / Q000097:blood* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000469:parasitology; D012621:Seasons; D012737:Sex Factors