The hematology of captive Bobtail lizards (Tiliqua rugosa): blood counts, light microscopy, cytochemistry, and ultrastructure

摘要: Introduction: Bobtail lizards (Tiliqua rugosa) are native to Australia. The only previous study on the hematology of this species documented just 6 animals. Objectives: aims were characterize light microscopy, ultrastructure and cytochemistry blood cells, evaluate CBCs captive lizards. Methods: Over 2 consecutive summers, heparinized venous was collected from ventral coccygeal vein 46 clinically healthy, indoor- or outdoor-housed adult Bobtails. Complete cell counts smear evaluations performed, cytochemical stains transmission electron microscopy used further cells. Results: eosinophils uniformly vacuolated: a unique feature not previously reported in reptiles. Heterophils predominant leukocyte, with fewer lymphocytes, azurophilic nonazurophilic monocytes, occasional eosinophils, basophils. Thrombocytes frequently clumped. Slight polychromasia (0–15% erythrocytes) typically present. Hemogregarine parasites seen some smears. range CBC results often wide. PCV ranged 11% 38%. Total plasma proteins by refractometry between 3.5 7.8 g/dL. Hemoglobin 2.6 12.6 g/dL modified hemoglobin-hydroxylamine method. Manual RBC count 0.35–1.27 × 106/μL, WBC 2.86–22.66 103/μL. housed outdoors had lower PCVs than indoor-housed Bobtails hemogregarine infections noninfected Conclusions: Ranges for data very wide, influenced preanalytic analytic factors. infection is associated decreased PCV, suggesting that pathogenic population.