Parámetros hematológicos en las tortugas de pantano Chelydra acutirostris y Kinosternon leucostomum en cautiverio

Abstract

The objective of this study was to establish the hematological parameters: erythrogram, leukogram, platelet count and proteins in the mud turtles Chelydra acutirostris and Kinosternon leucostomum in captivity. The study was carried out at the Zoo Bioparque Amaru in Cuenca - Ecuador, at 2400-2500 m.a.s.l.; in 60 semi-aquatic swamp chelonians, 30 of each species; the turtles were considered apparently healthy at the time of sample collection. The blood sample was obtained by venipuncture from the supcarpacial vein in Kinosternon leucostomum and from the coccygeal vein in Chelydra acutirostris, and was processed at the Amphibian and Reptile Laboratory of Bioparque Amaru. The results were analyzed in the statistical program infostat, the basic statistics and 95% confidence intervals were estimated, being the most relevant in both species the values of VCM, HCM, GR, and the percentages of basophils, monocytes, eosinophils, heterophils and lymphocytes. The correlation coefficient showed strong and direct correlations between Hto and Hb, strong correlations between Hto and Hb with VCM and HCM, medium and inverse correlations between the percentage of basophils with the percentage of monocytes, strong and inverse correlations of RBCs with VCM and HCM, and of the percentage of heterophils with the percentage of basophils. Using Mann Whitney independent samples comparison we observed statistical difference of the parameters: Hto, Hb, VCM, HCM, proteins, percentage of heterophils and eosinophils; percentage and absolute value of basophil and lymphocytes between both species. The values described may be influenced by the ambient temperature of 13 - 22oC showing a possible macrocytic anemia due to brumation/prehibernation or cold lethargy.