Circulating siderophagocytes and erythrophagocytes in a corn snake (Elaphe guttata) after coelomic surgery

Clinical Pathology of Freshwater Turtles

Freshwater turtles are physiologically unique in their adaptations to life on both land and freshwater habitats. Appropriate interpretation of laboratory values specific to these species is important for both conservation efforts in free-ranging populations and in captive populations, especially because these animals become increasingly popular as pets. Although normal physiology has been well characterized, understanding of clinicopathologic changes in response to disease processes in freshwater chelonian species is relatively limited. This article reviews the current knowledge of hematology, plasma biochemistry, and urinalysis specific to freshwater turtles, with correlates to other chelonian species when specific data are unavailable.

Diagnostic Clinical Pathology of Tortoises

Clinicopathologic evaluation of terrestrial tortoises is useful for health assessment and monitoring. There are specific considerations when evaluating data from these species, including sex, age, time of year/season, reproductive status, diet, captive versus wild, geographic location, methodology, and anticoagulant. The authors describe sample collection, hematology, biochemistry, and urinalysis features of terrestrial tortoises and discuss clinical relevance.

Diagnostic hematology of reptiles

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.