HEMATOLOGIC PARAMETERS OF CAPTIVE Bothrops atrox (SQUAMATA: VIPERIDAE)

The breeding of venomous snakes in captivity for research purposes and mainly as a source of pharmaceutical products highlights the need to determine hematological parameters for monitoring and ensuring a healthy breeding populationThe complete blood count is used to help diagnose alterations such as anemia, inflammatory diseases, parasitemia, hematopoietic disorders, hemostatic and toxicological changes, as well as bacterial and viral inclusions. Thus, the objective of this study was to define reference parameters for complete blood count in Bothrops atrox snakes. Blood samples were collected from 20 specimens of B. atrox from the Pentapharm do Brasil commercial breeding facility for laboratory examination. Mean values and standard deviation were: hematocrit 33.6 +/- 5.47%, hemoglobin 10.81 +/- 2.07g/dL, total number of erythrocytes 0.59 +/- 0.1 x 106/mm3, leukocytes 11387.5 +/- 3279.2/mm3 and thrombocytes 28175 +/- 6320/mm3. No significant difference was observed between males and females and heterophils were the predominant leukocyte cell type.

Automated summary

This study aimed to define reference parameters for the complete blood count in Bothrops atrox snakes. The results showed that the blood parameters for B. atrox snakes were as follows: hematocrit 33.6 +/- 5.47%, hemoglobin 10.81 +/- 2.07g/dL, total number of erythrocytes 0.59 +/- 0.1 x 106/mm3, leukocytes 11387.5 +/- 3279.2/mm3, and thrombocytes 28175 +/- 6320/mm3. No significant difference was observed between males and females, and heterophils were the predominant leukocyte cell type.