Abstract | OBJECTIVE: To document hematologic and plasma biochemical values for a large number of cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles at the beginning of rehabilitation, to investigate differences in hematologic and plasma biochemical values of turtles that ultimately survived versus those that died, and to compare values of survivors during convalescence with initial values obtained at the time of admission. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 176 stranded, cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles hospitalized between 2001 and 2005. PROCEDURES: Hematologic and plasma biochemical values obtained at the time of admission were compared retrospectively for turtles that died versus turtles that survived. Initial results for survivors were compared with convalescent results obtained later in rehabilitation. RESULTS: CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cold-stunned Kemp's ridley turtles may be affected by electrolyte derangements, dehydration, and decreased renal function. Hematologic and plasma biochemical evaluation of such turtles provided useful clinical and prognostic information during the rehabilitation process.
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Authors | Charles J Innis, Jared B Ravich, Michael F Tlusty, Melissa S Hoge, Denise S Wunn, Leslie B Boerner-Neville, Constance Merigo, E Scott Weber |
Journal | Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
(J Am Vet Med Assoc)
Vol. 235
Issue 4
Pg. 426-32
(Aug 15 2009)
ISSN: 0003-1488 [Print] United States |
PMID | 19681727
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Topics |
- Animals
- Animals, Wild
(blood)
- Blood Chemical Analysis
(veterinary)
- Cold Temperature
- Female
- Hematologic Tests
(veterinary)
- Male
- Reference Values
- Retrospective Studies
- Turtles
(blood)
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