Evaluation of serum biochemical parameters in Amazon turtles (Podocnemis expansa) hatchlings kept in captivity

ABSTRACT:

Blood samples from the giant river turtle kept in captivity were analyzed in order to evaluate the serum biochemical constituents and relate to what has been reported by other researchers, beyond the purpose of generating further information, given the paucity of data involving this species. The turtle eggs were from the state of Tocantins and were obtained from direct sampling in their natural habitat. After being collected the eggs were kept in incubators and then the puppies were kept in tanks. Samples were collected after chemical restraint of these animals by intracardiac puncture or cardiocentesis. The samples were centrifuged to obtain serum. Biochemical analyzes were processed by kinetic and colorimetric methods, as described by the manufacturer, and the values obtained were: calcium 7.0±1.9mg/dL, phosphorus 2.8±1.2mg/dL, uric acid 1.8±0.8mg/dL, BUN 10.4±3.9mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase (AST) 75.5±33.6 IU/L, total protein 1.9±0.8g/dL, triglycerides 22.9±9.8mg/dL and cholesterol 45.3±19.7mg/dL. It was observed that the values of the evaluated blood components are similar to those found by other researchers in serum biochemical studies with samples of Podocnemis expansa. During this study we observed the paucity of published data on blood parameters of Podocnemis genus, especially P. expansa species, which confirmed the high relevance of the development of further research involving this topic.

INDEX TERMS: Podocnemis; serum biochemistry; giant river turtle.