Haematological and blood chemical values fromBothrops ammodytoides (ophidia-crotalidae) in captivity

Abstract

In order to establish reference haematological and blood chemistry parameters, blood samples were obtained from 50 healthy specimens ofBothrops ammodytoides kept in captivity. The haematological parameters determined were: red blood cell count (RBC); total leucocyte (WBC) and differential leucocyte cell count; thrombocyte count; haematocrit (PCV); haemoglobin concentration; mean corpuscular volume (MCV); mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC). Blood chemistry parameters measured were: total protein; albumin; globulins; glucose; urea; uric acid; triglycerides; cholesterol; calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; sodium; potassium and chloride concentrations and the activities of aspartate amino transferase (AST) and alanine amino transferase (ALT). Compared to the values published for other ophidian species, RBC count, PCV and WBC count inBothrops ammodytoides are lower than in most of the crotalids. Total protein and glucose concentrations are lower, whereas uric acid concentration, AST and ALT levels are higher than the values reported for other species.