EFFECT OF ANIMAL HOLDING TIME ON HEMATOLOGIC VALUES AND BLOOD LACTATE OF FREE-RANGING ENDANGERED VIRGIN ISLAND BOAS...

Physiological stress responses are well documented among squamate reptiles, but much less so among some endangered species of snakes, such as West Indian boas (genus Chilabothrus). The aims of this study include identifying and establishing a hematologic reference interval as well as determining the effect of animal holding time on hematologic parameters and blood lactate in Virgin Islands boas (Chilabothrus granti). A total of 49 wild adult Virgin Islands boas (22 males, 27 females) were collected during two study periods in the US Virgin Islands. Blood samples were obtained after a median of 89 min postcapture (T1) and again the following day, approximately 12 h later (T2). Blood lactate concentration was significantly lower at T2 (P < 0.001) compared to T1. Estimated total white blood cell (WBC) count did not differ between T1 and T2 (P = 0.19). Heterophils and azurophils were significantly increased at T2 (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively), and lymphocytes were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) at T2. Eosinophils were significantly increased at T2 (P = 0.02). No significant differences were noted in either monocytes or basophils (P = 0.83 and P = 0.30, respectively). This study demonstrates that stress associated with animal capture and handling may alter the hemogram in this species, resulting in increased levels of circulating heterophils, decreased levels of lymphocytes, and a significant increase in azurophils. This study also demonstrates that blood lactate concentration in Virgin Islands boas is elevated following collection and handling and decreases significantly after an extended holding period.