engleski

Hematological parameters of Trachemys spp. from Maksimir lake in Zagreb

Until recently, the red eared sliders were popular pets, because of their, low price, small size and a tolerance to a bad husbandry conditions. As they grow up fast and require more space, their husbandry becomes more difficult so the owners often release them to nearby lakes where they have become invasive species, interfering with the native turtle species. Due to their popularity as pets, red eared sliders were frequent patients in veterinary practice and reference hematological values for this species were determined. However, since there are many external factors such as season, environment, temperature, diet, etc. that can affect hemogram, hematological values of free range turtles often do not match with the values of animals in captivity. Better comprehension of hematology in turtles provides inormation of turtle's health condition, but also contributes to understanding of environmental impact on reptilian hemogram. In this research six red eared sliders, three males and three females, Maksimir lake in Zagreb, were examined. Body mass and carapace length were measured and the blood samples were taken for hematologic evaluation which included packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count and differential blood count. PCV and RBC were at the lower physiological border but still within the reference values which is probably consequence of the life in the wild and influence of some external environmental factors. There were no deviations from reference values in differential blood count and blood cell morphology which indicates non altered health condition of the examined turtles. To get more detailed insight of the animals’ health it is necessary to make additional diagnostic tests, such as biochemical parameters in serum, parasitological and microbiological examinations of the mucous membranes and cloacal swabs.

Trachemys scripta elegans, red eared slider, invasive species, hematology

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