Hematology and Diagnostics in Reptiles Flashcards
What infectious pathogen can cause decreased heterophils in turtles?
Herpesvirus
Are eosinophil levels higher or lower in turtles compared to lizards?
Turtles - higher
Lizards - lower
How can basophils be visualized on blood smear?
Giemsa stain
**not stained by diff quick
Which reptile has more lymphocytes than heterophils?
Iguanas
How can you preserve cell morphology when doing a blood smear on a reptile?
1 drop bovine albumin to 5 drops blood
Which of the following can be increased with fibropapillomas in sea turtles?
A. Lymphocytes
B. Heterophils
C. Eosinophils
D. Monocytes
D. Monocytes
What diagnostics should you run on a snake presenting with anorexia, weight loss, and history of sitting in the water bowl?
- CBC, Blood smear, Fecal, send out for inclusion bodies
- Treat all snakes in the house
- can see Lymphocytosis on CBC
How can a traumatic blood draw affect CBC/Chem in reptiles?
- Causes an increased CK
How can lymph contamination from a blood draw affect CBC/Chem in reptiles?
- Decreases TP
- Decreases K+
What is the most reliable indicator of liver damage on chemistry in reptiles?
AST must be evaluated in conjunction with CK (normal CK if liver)
(ALT not reliable in reptiles, ALP unspecific)
What bloodwork parameters are most consistent with muscle damage in reptiles?
Increased CK AND Increased AST
What is the diagnosis for an inverse Ca:P ratio in a reptile?
Renal disease
High Phosphorus, Low calcium
What can be a consequence of feeding a seafood diet to a green sea turtle that can be seen on chemistry panel?
Increased cholesterol from hepatic lipidosis
(due to inappropriate diet)
What can cause an increase in uric acid on bloodwork in reptiles?
High protein diet in carnivorous reptiles
What is the best radiographic view to assess both lung fields in turtles?
Craniocaudal
