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THE PECULIARITIES OF THE COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT OF THE UTILA IGUANA (CTENOSAURA BAKERI)

This research dealt with the physiological blood parameters of the highly protected and rare iguana species, Utila iguana, which naturally resides in only one habitat. Samples were extracted from ten adult animals residing in the Zagreb City Zoo, out of which there were 2 females and 8 males. The samples were then used to make double blood smears for each animal, while the rest of the blood was put into the eppendorf test tubes containing heparin. Determined blood parameters were: PCV, total red blood cell count, leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell indices and differential blood cell count. The results were statistically compared to the hematological parameters of the green iguana. Physiological parameters were obtained for 8 males since one female had inflammatory leukogram due to the bite wound, while the other had anemia. Considering the pathological conditions, those data were not taken into consideration. By comparing the red blood cell count, Utila iguanas had significantly lower number of erythrocytes but higher concentrations of hemoglobin than green iguanas. Furthermore, in the differential blood cell count data between Utila and green iguanas, the only difference was significantly higher absolute number of basophils in Utila iguanas. Differences in some blood parameters between two species of iguanas could be due to the external factors. The data obtained in this study determine the blood parameters of clinically healthy Utila iguanas, which contributes to a better understanding of physiological blood picture of these animals, and thus allows more efficient detection of pathological conditions and faster medical treatment which is an important factor in preserving this rare species.

Utila iguana (Ctenosaura bakeri), highly endangered species, hematological parameters

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