Hematology and plasma biochemistry of wild-caught Indian cobra Naja naja (Linnaeus, 1758)

Abstract

BackgroundHematology and plasma biochemistry parameters are useful in the assessment and management of snake physiological status. Although reference ranges are readily available for many snake species, they are lacking for most venomous ophidians. We determined hematology and plasma biochemistry reference ranges for the wild-caught Indian cobra, Naja naja.ResultsBlood samples, taken from the ventral tail vein, were assessed for erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, considering the sex of snakes.Results revealed the erythrocyte numbers (male, 390000 ± 12503.33/mm3 and female, 347500 ± 7505.55/mm3), shapes and the centrally located oval nuclei. Leukocytes were round, circular or disk-shaped, and the mean size was larger in male than female snakes. The maximum number of leukocytes was found to be 11700 ± 100/mm3 in male and 12100 ± 200/mm3 in female snakes, and mean values of differential leukocyte count differed statistically between male and female snakes. The total leukocyte levels were found to be higher in female snakes, but the levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV values were higher in male snakes. However, the MCH and MCHC values remained higher in female snakes throughout the study period. Mean protein and cholesterol contents differed significantly between male (45.32 ± 1.76 and 3.76 ± 0.06 mg/mL) and female (12.47 ± 0.82 and 4.72 ± 0.2 mg/mL) snakes.ConclusionsIn conclusion, monitoring snake hematological and biochemical parameters can serve as a means to evaluate the physiological and health status of N. naja populations, which may be a useful indicator of their environmental status.

Preliminary evaluation of complete blood count and diurnal variation of hematological parameters in black rat snake (Pantherophis obsoletus)

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“…To assure welfare and health of the animals through proper management, protection and veterinary care, it is very important to have as much knowledge as possible about their physiology and biology. One useful tool for assessing the physiological and health conditions of animals is hematologic evaluation, a mainstay of diagnosis (Parida et al, 2014;Jenkins-Perez, 2012;Tosunoğlu et al, 2011).…”

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An investigation into the stranding of Australian sea snakes

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