Meeting Abstract
P1.64 Saturday, Jan. 4 15:30 Seasonal Variance of Hematological Values, Plasma Parameters and Body Condition Index of the Timber Rattlesnake Crotalus horridus LAGRANGE, SM*; KIMBLE, SJA; MACGOWAN, BJ; WILLIAMS, RN; Southern Illinois University; Purdue University; Purdue University; Purdue University smlagrange@gmail.com
Hematology analyses and body condition indices are useful tools for describing the health of individuals, especially when making management decisions for species of conservation concern. Analysis of these health measures can be useful for catching at early stages diseases caused by viral pathogens, parasites, and stress. Stress caused by changes in environmental conditions can suppress the immune system, increase the prevalence of disease, and give a diagnostic signature in certain hematological parameters. Baseline health data are procured from healthy, wild populations and are integral in order to detect divergence from normal values. Unfortunately, these data for non-model species are rare yet needed to accurately assess the health of wild populations. Timber rattlesnakes Crotalus horridus provide a great example of an endangered species with no baseline health data. By analyzing 13 timber rattlesnakes from an intact upland hardwood forest in south-central Indiana we are establishing normal temporal variation over an active season. Female packed cell volume and potassium levels were significantly higher in the summer compared to males. Summer values for aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were significantly correlated with summer body condition. Summer glucose values were significantly correlated with summer albumin levels. Fall calcium levels were significantly correlated with fall phosphate levels. Fall globulin and sodium levels were significantly correlated with fall body condition. These baseline data may become increasingly important for future studies on timber rattlesnakes if suitable habitat continues to decline, as new diseases emerge, and associated stress increases.
