Haematology and plasma chemistry of Bornean river turtles suffering from shell necrosis and haemogregarine parasites

Abstract

Nine Bornean river turtles (Orlitia borneensis, Gray, 1873) suffering from lethargy, ulcerations and caseous necrosis of the plastron were evaluated for haematology and plasma chemistry. Intra-erythrocytic haemogregarine parasites were associated with anaemia, low haemoglobin, basophilia, eosinophilia, heterophilia and azurophilia. After eight months of treatment consisting of antibiotics, debridement and scrubbing of lesions with enilconazole or povidone iodine, rehydration, deworming and tube feeding, lymphocytes, basophils, eosinophils, heterophils and azurophils returned to the normal ranges. Haematocrit, RBC and haemoglobin concentration were under the normal ranges in 24 months. A progressive decrease in haemogregarine parasitaemia was also seen, however, haematologic changes could not be definitely attributed to these parasites.