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The eastern grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) is a North American tree squirrel species which has been introduced to several countries outside its native range. We made use of squirrels culled in Italy within control activities to establish hematological reference intervals for this invasive species, with the aim to broaden the current knowledge about its physiology. Blood from 104 individuals was analysed through a laser analyser. Manual leukocyte differential counts on blood films from a subset of 77 animals were used for validation of the automated counts, resulting in a fairly good agreement between the two methods for all variables excluding monocytes. Reference intervals and the 90% confidence interval of their limits were estimated for 19 hematological variables, partitioning by sex when statistically significant differences were detected. For most variables, our results were comparable with the few data available on the grey squirrel and on related species. An exception was represented by the hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume which were higher than values reported by other authors, and by the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, which was instead lower. This study gathered valuable reference information for studies aimed at disclosing the mechanisms underlying grey squirrels’ invasiveness and for future research on tree squirrels’ physiology.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a rare condition characterised by abnormal bone production in soft tissue. Very few cases of HO have been reported in animals (e.g., dogs, horses) and often this disease process is a consequence of a traumatic incident. A 5-year-old, male European ferret ( Mustela putorious furo ) was referred for anorexia, generalised weakness and weight loss. Clinical examination revealed multiple abdominal masses. An explorative laparotomy identified omental, white/tan, nodular to coalescing hard lesions. The omentum and spleen were surgically removed during the surgical procedure, with both subsequently submitted for histopathologic evaluation. Microscopically, the omental masses were composed of a meshwork of lamellar and woven bone admixed with islands of cartilage and lacunae containing either blood, fat and/or bone marrow. Multifocal mineralisation and bone lamellae were also present in the grossly normal omentum. The finding of multiple bone nodules containing bone marrow and/or adipose tissue, with no Harversian system, and minimal intra-trabecular connective tissue favored a diagnosis of HO.

An adult female Northern red-bellied cooter ( Pseudemys rubriventris ) was presented with a 15-day history of anorexia and lethargy. On physical examination, the animal was considered to be in critical condition with a prominent swelling of the proximal aspect of the left forelimb. Laboratory analysis highlighted anemia, hyperuricemia, hyperuremia, low total protein, and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase. Radiographic images revealed a soft tissue mass infiltrating the humerus with boney involvement. Fine-needle aspiration was performed, and cytological evaluation indicated the sample was characterized by a prevalence of spindle to stellate cells frequently containing intracytoplasmatic brown to black granules associated with a moderate amount of mucin. The terrapin died 24 hours later with only the affected forelimb being submitted for histopathological evaluation. On gross examination, the proximal humerus was encircled by a 3-cm diameter, black, gelatinous mass with a mucoid, black appearance on cut surface. The histologic description of the mass was that it was a poorly demarcated, sparsely cellular, nonencapsulated neoplasm expanding from the dermis and infiltrating into the underlying soft tissues and bone. The neoplasm was composed of stellate cells embedded in an abundant periodic acid-Schiff–positive myxoid stroma. The cells frequently contained intracytoplasmic brown-black granules. These findings are consistent with a mucinous type of melanophoroma. Melanophoromas are tumors of melanin-producing cells and are well known in reptiles, most commonly in snakes and bearded dragons ( Pogona vitticeps ) but rarely reported in chelonians. The mucinous variant has only been described in the bearded dragon.

Hermann’s tortoise ( Testudo hermanni) is considered near threatened in the wild but, by contrast, it is one of the most popular pet tortoises in Europe. Scant data is reported in the veterinary literature on hematological values for T. hermanni and, to our knowledge, none focused on the subspecies boettgeri (eastern Hermann’s tortoise). Published reports are based on small sample populations, and confusion arises when comparing the sampling sites, the anticoagulants, and the counting methods used. The purpose of the current study was to establish the normal mean values and reference intervals for the main hematological parameters for captive adult T. hermanni boettgeri and to evaluate the reliability of a semiautomated blood analyzer for red blood cell count and hematocrit determination. Blood values were determined in 23 adult tortoises using a Neubauer chamber with Natt and Herrick solution; red blood cells and hematocrit were also measured using a semiautomated blood analyzer. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, differences between sexes, and agreement between the counting methods. Reference intervals were calculated with the robust method. Wilcoxon signed rank test with continuity correction was used to investigate differences between sexes, and Bland–Altman analysis was performed to compare manual versus semiautomated values. Red blood cells, hematocrit, and hemoglobin determinations were significantly higher in males than in females. White blood cell counts did not show any sex variability. The agreement of manual versus semiautomated determination was considered acceptable for clinical use.

A wild-caught specimen of panther chameleon, Furcifer pardalis, with signs of skin discoloration and mild ataxia was infected with the filarial nematode, Foleyella furcata. Monthly treatment with low doses of ivermectin was initiated and the patient treated and monitored for four months. The microfilaremia was markedly reduced after the first treatment and virtually disappeared after the second administration of the drug and the patient improved dramatically. Despite these encouraging results it's impossible, to date, to claim an adulticidal effect of this therapeutic plan. Caution should be paid on side effects caused by the death of microfilariae and supportive therapy should be warranted. Further studies are needed to fully understand the activity of ivermectin on Filaria sp., nematodes in chameleons.

An adult marginated tortoise, Testudo marginata, was treated for a chronic infected wound at the base of the neck. After surgical debridement and proper antibiotic therapy, an in-dwelling subcutaneous catheter system was utilized to allow irrigation of the affected area. This report describes a novel procedure to treat infected wounds in terrestrial chelonians by means

The presence of nucleated erythrocytes and thrombocytes in reptile blood limits the use of electronic cell-counting devices for leukocytes so that manual counting techniques and evaluation of blood smears are necessary, resulting in time-consuming procedures requiring good training and experience. The evaluation of most hematologic values is complicated by the many physiologic adaptations occurring in reptiles, making references values very difficult to interpret. This article brings together most of the bibliography about hemochrome evaluation in reptiles, with schematic instruction about sample collection, handling, and evaluation. Information about evaluation of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of reptile hematology are also given.

Objective—To determine the pharmacokinetics of cefovecin sodium after SC administration to Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni). Animals—23 healthy adult Hermann's tortoises (15 males and 8 females). Procedures—Cefovecin (8.0 mg/kg) was injected once in the subcutis of the neck region of Hermann's tortoises, and blood samples were obtained at predetermined time points. Plasma cefovecin concentrations were measured via ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry, and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with a noncompartmental model. Plasma protein concentration was quantified, and the percentage of cefovecin bound to protein was estimated with a centrifugation technique. Results—Cefovecin was absorbed rapidly, reaching maximum plasma concentrations between 35 minutes and 2 hours after administration, with the exception of 1 group, in which it was reached after 4 hours. The mean ± SD time to maximum concentration was 1.22 ± 1.14 hours; area under the concentration-time curve was 220.35 ± 36.18 h•μg/mL The mean protein-bound fraction of cefovecin ranged from 41.3% to 47.5%. No adverse effects were observed. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Administration of a single dose of cefovecin SC appeared to be well-tolerated in this population of tortoises. Results of pharmacokinetic analysis indicated that the 2-week dosing interval suggested for dogs and cats cannot be considered effective in tortoises; however, further research is needed to determine therapeutic concentrations of the drug and appropriate dose ranges.