BLOOD BIOCHEMICAL PROFILE OF THE SOUTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus durissus terrificus) IN CAPTIVITY

J. C. TROIANO(1), E. G. GOULD(3), R. ALTHAUS(2), G. MALINSKAS(2), J. A. GOULD(3), J. HEKER(1), J. C. VIDAL(1), E. AMANTINI(3), C. SIMONCINI(1)

(1)Area de Iología, Museo de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Angel Gallardo 470 (1405), Buenos Aires, Argentina; (2)Cátedra de Química Biológica, Facultad de Agronomía y Veterinaria de Esperanza, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Rvdo. Padre Luis Kreder 2805 (3080) Esperanza , Santa Fe , Argentina; (3)Fundación de Estudios Biológicos - Gral Urquiza 1940/42 -(1243) Buenos Aires -Argentina.

ABSTRACT: Blood samples were collected from 180 healthy specimens of the South American rattlesnake, Crotalus durissus terrificus, in captivity. All animals were in good clinical condition. Normal biochemical reference values were established for the following: total proteins, albumin, globulins, uric acid, creatinine, urea, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, total lipids, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, GOT (AST), GPT (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Samples were obtained by venipuncture of the ventral tail vein. Values were compared with published data for Boidae, Elapidae, and Viperidae.

KEY WORDS: blood, biochemistry, Crotalus durissus terrificus, captivity.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

J. C. TROIANO - Area de Iología, Museo de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Avenida Angel Gallardo 470 (1405), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Email juancarlostroiano@hotmail.com