Blood variable data for clinically normal and clinically abnormal Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii) in 2013

• DOI: 10.5066/f7mk6bdv
• Publication Date: 2017-01-01
• Authors: K. Kristina Drake
• Keywords: Tortoise

To improve our understanding of health and immune function in tortoises, we evaluated both standard blood diagnostic (body condition, hematologic, plasma biochemistry values, trace elements, proteins, vitamin A levels) gene transcription profiles 21 adult tortoises (11 clinically abnormal; 10 normal) from Clark County, NV, USA. Necropsy histology evaluations abnormal revealed multiple physiological complications, with moderate to severe rhinitis or pneumonia being the primary cause morbidity all but one examined animals. Improved methods for assessments are an important element monitoring tortoise population recovery can support development more robust measures ill animals, individuals directly impacted by disturbance.