Hematological recovery after sequential collection in Brazilian tortoise Chelonoidis carbonarius (Spix, 1824)

Chelonoidis carbonarius is a Brazilian tortoise endemic to thenortheast region. However, it can be found nationally in zoological enclosures. They are ectothermic animals and have low metabolic rate, reflected in the hematological profile, in which researches show a life span variable in 600 to 800 days to the erythrocyte. Seasonal analysis must be cautious related to the quality of the collected sample, in order to prevent anemic status in those animals, and also for the process, to avoid hemolysis. The aim of this work was to evaluate red blood cells recovery in Brazilian tortoise. 10 specimens (five male and five female) located in enclosures in ‘Zoológico de Ilha Solteira – SP’ had their blood collected (2mL) over 5 months, one sample per month. Subsequently, the complete blood count was performed. To statistical analysis, Levene, Shapiro-Wilks and t-student dependent’s tests were performed. The is no significative statistic difference between our data, even with the presence of discrepant values, red blood cells count with maximun 1.350x103/µL and minimun 250x103/µL (mean 575,3125x103/µL ± 216,1373x103/µL). Our results show us news in hematological studies in chelonian, which is the physiological recovery in these animals. In the literature, the only studies found are related to the description of the life span of the erythrocyte. New studies are necessary in order to claim the time of red blood cells recovery in enclosures animals, however, we can affirm that the interval of one month between blood sampling collection was not recommended due to possible interferences in hematological values.