Abstract
Reference values were established for some plasma biochemical and hematological profiles of venomous snakes in Thailand. The studies were performed on three groups of adult, captive born elapids, including 20 Siamese cobra, Naja kaouthia; 20 king cobra, Ophiophagus hannah; and 9 Malayan krait, Bungarus candidus. The study parameters included complete blood count, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), plasma creatinine, uric acid, total protein, and sodium, potassium, and chloride ions. The results obtained were compared among groups of snakes. Comparative studies among groups showed statistical significant differences of some parameters among species including heterophils, eosinophils, basophils, AST, ALP, creatinine, and potassium and chloride ion levels. The differences of these parameters indicate the necessity of establishing referential data for hematological and biochemical parameters in venomous snakes. The results obtained will be useful in routine diagnostics as the hematological and metabolic profiles of venomous snakes.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Mr. Pirin Thongkumtae, Mr. Viroon Thongkumtae, Mr. Sundorn Pumsiri, Mr. Mongkon Punlert, Mr. Prathip Pumthong, and Mr.Santi Injan, the snake handlers of the snake farm, for their kind assistance.
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Vasaruchapong, T., Disarapong, P., Chulasugandha, P. et al. Comparative studies on hematological and plasma biochemical parameters in different types of venomous snakes in Thailand. Comp Clin Pathol 23, 955–959 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-013-1721-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-013-1721-9