Hematology and biochemistry of critically endangered radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata): Reference intervals in previously confiscated subadults and variability based on common techniques

PLoS One. 2022 Mar 14;17(3):e0264111. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264111. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Madagascar's radiated tortoises (Astrochelys radiata) are critically endangered, threatened by illegal collection, and confiscated in alarming numbers in recent years. Robust population- and technique-specific hematology and biochemistry reference intervals are valuable yet heretofore missing tools for triage, rehabilitation, and reintroduction of confiscated radiated tortoises. We determined reference intervals in 120 previously confiscated, clinically healthy subadult radiated tortoises living under human care within their native habitat at the Tortoise Conservation Center (TCC). Specific analytes measured were manual packed cell volume, total solids, white blood cell (WBC) count and differentials, and biochemistry analytes using a point of care system. To evaluate the effects of different commonly used techniques on these analytes, we compared results between two venipuncture sites (subcarapacial sinus and brachial vein) and three different WBC quantification methods (Natt and Herrick, Leukopet, and slide estimate). Reference intervals were narrower for most analytes, and sodium and potassium were qualitatively higher in the TCC population compared to previously published values from radiated tortoises housed in North American institutions. Creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, glucose and inorganic phosphorus were all significantly greater in brachial samples than in subcarapacial samples. There was poor agreement and evidence of constant and/or proportional bias between all WBC quantification methods. Differences based on time of sample collection were incidentally found in some analytes. These results highlight the need for considering technique, demographic, and environmental factors in creating and applying reference intervals, and contribute foundational knowledge for improving care of radiated tortoises throughout the confiscation-to-release pathway.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Hematocrit
  • Hematology*
  • Humans
  • Reference Values
  • Turtles*

Substances

  • Aspartate Aminotransferases

Grants and funding

Primary funding was provided by grant #2019.07 from the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Field Research for Conservation grant (Principal investigator: MBW, Co-investigators: SLD and NATR). Salary for MBW was provided by an anonymous donor to the Saint Louis Zoo. Support for additional project members was provided by the Saint Louis Zoo, Turtle Survival Alliance, and Wildlife Conservation Society Bronx Zoo. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.