Name
Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Mexican Axolotls (Ambystoma Mexicanum)
Speakers
Description
Mexican axolotls (Ambystoma mexicanum) is a critically endangered species with a longstanding place in scientific research in evolution, embryology, endocrinology and the like. Their popularity has grown as a subject for research in regeneration and stem cells, in conservation efforts, and as a household pet. Due ongoing conservation efforts and popularity in the pet trade, it has become evident that there is a lack of clinical research which limits veterinary study and care of these animals. In a previous study of axolotl biochemical parameters, samples were collected using heparinized syringes, which was shown to statistically impact sample values in a separate study of crocodilian hematological parameters. As such, this study deterimined baseline values for hematological and biochemical parameters in healthy axolotls using non-heparinized syringes. Forty axolotls were housed individually. Blood samples were collected from the tail vein under manual restraint. Hematologic and biochemistry reference ranges (mean, standard deviation) were established using guidelines set by the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP)
Session Type
Lecture (25 Min)