Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) populations have experienced precipitous declines resulting from the cumulative impact of habitat loss, and human and disease-related mortality. Evaluation of hematologic and biochemical responses of desert tortoises to physiologic and environmental factors can facilitate the assessment of stress and disease in tortoises and contribute to management decisions and population recovery. The goal of this study was to obtain and analyze clinical laboratory data from free-ranging desert tortoises at three sites in the Mojave Desert (California, USA) between October 1990 and October 1995, to establish reference intervals, and to develop guidelines for the interpretation of laboratory data under a variety of environmental and physiologic conditions. Body weight, carapace length, and venous blood samples for a complete blood count and clinical chemistry profile were obtained from 98 clinically healthy adult desert tortoises of both sexes at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural area (western Mojave), Goffs (eastern Mojave) and Ivanpah Valley (northeastern Mojave). Samples were obtained four times per year, in winter (February/March), spring (May/June), summer (July/August), and fall (October). Years of near-, above- and below-average rainfall were represented in the 5 yr period. Minimum, maximum and median values, and central 95 percentiles were used as reference intervals and measures of central tendency for tortoises at each site and/or season. Data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance for significant (P < 0.01) variation on the basis of sex, site, season, and interactions between these variables. Significant sex differences were observed for packed cell volume, hemoglobin concentration, aspartate transaminase activity, and cholesterol, triglyceride, calcium, and phosphorus concentrations. Marked seasonal variation was observed in most parameters in conjunction with reproductive cycle, hibernation, or seasonal rainfall. Year-to-year differences and long-term alterations primarily reflected winter rainfall amounts. Site differences were minimal, and largely reflected geographic differences in precipitation patterns, such that results from these studies can be applied to other tortoise populations in environments with known rainfall and forage availability patterns.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Articles|
April 01 1999
REFERENCE INTERVALS AND PHYSIOLOGIC ALTERATIONS IN HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VALUES OF FREE-RANGING DESERT TORTOISES IN THE MOJAVE DESERT
Mary M. Christopher;
Mary M. Christopher
7
1 Department of Pathology, Microbiology & Immunology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California-Davis, Davis, California 95616, USA
7 Corresponding author (e-mail: [email protected])
Search for other works by this author on:
Kristin H. Berry;
Kristin H. Berry
2 U.S. Geological Survey, Riverside, California 92507, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
I. R. Wallis;
I. R. Wallis
3 Department of Biology and Laboratory of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
4 Present address: Division of Botany and Zoology, Australian National University, Canberra ACT 0200, Australia
Search for other works by this author on:
K. A. Nagy;
K. A. Nagy
3 Department of Biology and Laboratory of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
B. T. Henen;
B. T. Henen
3 Department of Biology and Laboratory of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
5 Present address: Smithsonian Institution, National Zoological Park, Department of Zoological Research, 3001 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C. 20008, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
C. C. Peterson
C. C. Peterson
3 Department of Biology and Laboratory of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024, USA
6 Present address: Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
Search for other works by this author on:
J Wildl Dis (1999) 35 (2): 212–238.
Article history
Received:
September 22 1997
Citation
Mary M. Christopher, Kristin H. Berry, I. R. Wallis, K. A. Nagy, B. T. Henen, C. C. Peterson; REFERENCE INTERVALS AND PHYSIOLOGIC ALTERATIONS IN HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL VALUES OF FREE-RANGING DESERT TORTOISES IN THE MOJAVE DESERT. J Wildl Dis 1 January 1999; 35 (2): 212–238. doi: https://doi.org/10.7589/0090-3558-35.2.212
Download citation file:
Citing articles via
Molecular Survey of Hemosporidian Parasites in Owls in Mainland Portugal
Rita Santos, Rui Lourenço, Isabel P. da Fonseca, Mariana Louro, Sílvia S. Barros, María Casero, Ricardo Brandão, Ana F. Lopes, Mariana R. Ferreira, Jacinto Gomes
Bovine Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium bovis in a Korean Water Deer (Hydropotes inermis argyropus)
Sang-Hun Kwon, Jeong Soo Choi, Min-Gyeong Seo, Bumseok Kim, Yu Jeong Jeon, In Jung Jung, Il-Hwa Hong
Sensitivity of Methods to Determine Presence of Baylisascaris procyonis Eggs in Raccoon (Procyon lotor) Feces
L. Kristen Page, Andrew Loiacono, Sydney Edmunds, Benjamin Black, Sriveny Dangoudoubiyam, Chris Anchor
Evaluation of Two Serologic Tests for Rapid Detection of Anti-Leptospira Antibodies in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus)
Mattison Peters, Cara L. Field, Lisabet M. Hortensius, Jennifer Soper, Julia Burco, Terra R. Kelly, K. C. Prager
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus H5N1 in Double-crested Cormorants (Nannopterum auritum) of the Chesapeake Bay, USA
Johanna Harvey, Jeffery D. Sullivan, Rebecca L. Poulson, Deborah L. Carter, Cindy P. Driscoll, Peter C. McGowan, Carl R. Callahan, Amy W. O’Donnell, Jennifer M. Mullinax, David E. Stallknecht, Diann J. Prosser