Hematology and Blood Biochemistry of Young Healthy Broad-Snouted Caimans (Caiman latirostris)

Abstract Caiman latirostris (Broad-Snouted Caiman) is widely distributed in wetlands and rivers of South America. Hematological and blood chemistry reference values are necessary for detecting the effects of environmental, infectious, parasitic, or toxicological stress on C. latirostris health. Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 24 healthy 6- to 18-month-old caimans. Blood cell dimensions and cytochemistry profiles were described; and reference intervals for hematological parameters, enzyme activities, and clinical analytes were established. Based on the caiman mass frequency distribution, two classes were distinguished: 125–900 g and 901–3,100 g. Although an overlap in age ranges was observed, total length and snout–vent length range values from both mass classes differed. This finding is particularly useful because, in the wild, caiman age is unknown, whereas growth parameters can be easily recorded. Caiman blood cells exhibited morphological features similar to those of other reptiles, with ly...