How to translate text using browser tools
16 June 2022 SHORT-TERM BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF HEMATOLOGY PARAMETERS IN THE BEARDED DRAGON (POGONA VITTICEPS)
Megan E. Colburn, Amy N. Schnelle, Yvonne K. Wong, Emily M. Whitmore, Jennifer D. Reilly, Laura A. Adamovicz, Krista A. Keller, Matthew C. Allender
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Determination of the biological variation of laboratory tests is essential for accurate interpretation during health assessments. Few studies investigate the biological variation of CBC variables in reptiles, and none of these involve squamates. Thus, we investigated the biological variation of hematology parameters in bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) to determine if conventional population-based reference intervals are appropriate in evaluating single laboratory samples. Blood was collected from 10 bearded dragons five separate times over 10 wk and placed in lithium heparin (LH) microtainers, and CBC were performed. WBC were evaluated via both a fresh, non-anticoagulated blood smear and a LH anticoagulated blood smear as well as two manual hemocytometer counts with blood stained with either Natt and Herrick's (NH) solution or Leukopet (LO) solution. The between-animal coefficient of variation (CVG), within-animal coefficient of variation (CVI), reference change value (RCV), and index of individuality were determined for PCV, total solids (TS), and WBC using all leukocyte quantification methods. The RVC for PCV, TS, and WBC in bearded dragons were 37%, 84%, and >100%, respectively. The calculated index of individuality values all fell between 0.6 and 1.4, suggesting that the use of judiciously applied population-based reference intervals in interpreting the WBC, PCV, and TS in bearded dragons is appropriate.

Copyright 2022 by American Association of Zoo Veterinarians
Megan E. Colburn, Amy N. Schnelle, Yvonne K. Wong, Emily M. Whitmore, Jennifer D. Reilly, Laura A. Adamovicz, Krista A. Keller, and Matthew C. Allender "SHORT-TERM BIOLOGICAL VARIABILITY OF HEMATOLOGY PARAMETERS IN THE BEARDED DRAGON (POGONA VITTICEPS)," Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine 53(2), 284-290, (16 June 2022). https://doi.org/10.1638/2021-0088
Accepted: 7 February 2022; Published: 16 June 2022
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top