Blood biochemistry and haematology of migrating loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Northwest Atlantic: reference intervals and intra-population comparisons.

ABSTRACT: We documented blood biochemistry and haematology of healthy loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) in the Northwest (NW) Atlantic in order to establish clinical reference intervals (RIs) for this threatened population. Blood samples were analysed from migratory loggerheads captured off the Mid-Atlantic coast of the USA in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2016 as part of a long-term research program. Blood variables were determined using a point-of-care analyser, and a veterinary diagnostic laboratory service. We calculated 95% RIs with associated 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for each blood variable. We compared results obtained from our study of migratory loggerheads with published data for similarly sized loggerheads resident at a seasonal temperate latitude foraging area. Significant differen

SUBMITTER: Yang T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6366141 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature