Blood biochemistry and hematological reference values of nesting female Olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea) at "La Escobilla" Sanctuary, Mexico

Abstract

Constant stressors have caused diseases due to immunosuppression in marine organisms, such as sea turtles. Blood biochemistry and hematology analyses are essential tools that provide information on the physiological status of any organisms, facilitating the detection of alterations in the health status. The objective of this study was to establish the hematological and blood biochemistry reference values (RV) of nesting Olive ridley turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea) at “La Escobilla” Sanctuary, México. Blood samples were collected in two periods. Plasma biochemistry values and hematologic characteristics (packed cell volume, white blood cell counts, red blood cell count, microhematocrit, and hemoglobin level) were measured. The RV obtained in this study may be useful for clinical assessment of health and disease of wild nesting Olive ridley turtles in “La Escobilla” Sanctuary, contributing to conservation of this species.