Alternative therapy improves hematological profiles of captive snakes from northeastern Brazil

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12662/2317-3076jhbs.v11i1.4685.p1-7.2023

Keywords:

Reptiles, Hematology, Sunbathing, Hydration

Abstract

Objective: Evaluate the effects of alternative therapy on the hematological profiles of different families of captive snakes. Methodology: Captive snakes at NUROF-UFC were submitted to a clinical and hematological evaluation before and after applying an alternative treatment, including systematic sunbathing and hydration by soaking bathes twice a week for five weeks. The biometric, clinical, and hematological data were compared by multivariate analysis of variance and investigated for possible causal relationships by general linear models. Results: A significant difference was observed between erythrograms and global leukograms in the three families of snakes evaluated before and after treatment. The significant reduction in the heterophil: lymphocyte ratio in the Family Colubridae after treatment was noteworthy. Discussion: The results were most likely due to stress level reduction by improving thermoregulation and conversion of vitamin D during sunbathing, oral rehydration and refreshing in soaking baths, and general metabolic rates due to physical exercise. Conclusion: The results confirm the initial hypothesis, assuming that a simple but systematic treatment that included sunlight exposure and immersion hydration was efficient in reducing stress rates.

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Author Biographies

Alyne Costa Martins, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia (NUROF-UFC)

Graduada em Ciências Biológicas pela Universidade Federal do Ceará (2022). Aluna de graduação em Medicina Veterinária pela Universidade Estadual do Ceará (2023- em andamento). Colaboradora do Laboratório Acadêmico de Patologia Silvestre (LAPS-NUROF-UFC). Experiência em manejo e avaliação hematológica de animais silvestres com ênfase em herpetofauna.

Roberta da Rocha Braga, Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia (NUROF-UFC)

Médica Veterinária responsável técnica pelo Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia (NUROF-UFC) e Laboratório Acadêmico de Patologia Silvestre (LAPS-UFC). Mestre em Patologia (UFC, 2016) e Doutora em Patologia Experimental e Comparada (USP, 2022). Atuação em diagnóstico e pesquisa, com ênfase em necrópsia, cito e histopatologia em animais silvestre, especialmente herpetofauna.

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Published

2023-04-20

How to Cite

1.
Martins AC, Braga R da R. Alternative therapy improves hematological profiles of captive snakes from northeastern Brazil. J Health Biol Sci. [Internet]. 2023 Apr. 20 [cited 2024 Jul. 22];11(1):1-7. Available from: https://periodicos.unichristus.edu.br/jhbs/article/view/4685

Issue

Vol. 11 No. 1 (2023): Journal of Health and Biological Sciences

Section

Original articles

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