title: Hematologic and serum biochemical reference values for the wild Spectacled Caiman, Caiman crocodilus crocodilus, from the Venezuelan plains.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Commercial farming of Caiman crocodilus crocodilus has had an impact on the use of this species for meat consumption and the leather industry. Spectacled Caimans comprise part of the South American plains biodiversity. Misinterpretation of laboratory data is a risk owing to the limited hematologic and serum biochemical values available for this species.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to determine hematologic and serum biochemical values for wild Spectacled Caimans from the Venezuelan plains.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples were collected form the caudal tail vein of 100 Spectacled Caimans (40 males and 60 females) from the plains located in the State of Apure. Values for RBC count, PCV, hemoglobin concentration, WBC absolute and differential counts, and thrombocyte counts were obtained using manual methods, and RBC indices were calculated. Serum biochemical analysis included measurement of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and creatine kinase activities and concentrations of total protein and albumin. Comparisons between sexes were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reference values for wild Spectacled Caimans were determined. Minor differences in hematologic values, particularly for RBC counts, were found compared with previously published values for this species. Serum biochemical values were similar to those available for other crocodilians. There were no significant differences between males and females.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors: Veterinary Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Department of Veterinary Pathology, Central University of Venezuela, Maracay, Aragua, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. mario.rossini@ucv.ve
authors: Mario
authors: M
authors: Rossini
authors: Gisela
authors: G
authors: García
authors: Jesús
authors: J
authors: Rojas
authors: Hector
authors: H
authors: Zerpa
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D000835:Animals, Wild; D001774:Blood Chemical Analysis / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D005260:Female; D006403:Hematologic Tests / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D008297:Male; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D014687:Venezuela