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Blood (plasma and cells) is approximately 6% of the body weight of snakes and the normal PCV of a snake is about 0.20 to 0.30 l/l (20-30%). Blood cells form in the bone marrow and spleen, and early in life, the liver.  

Blood (plasma and cells) is approximately 6% of the body weight of snakes and the normal PCV of a snake is about 0.20 to 0.30 l/l (20-30%). Blood cells form in the bone marrow and spleen, and early in life, the liver.  

   

   

 

Blood cells include erythrocytes which are nucleated, [[Leucocytes - Reptile|leucocytes]] ([[Heterophils - Reptile|heterophils]], [[Eosinophils - Reptile|eosinophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Basophils|basophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Lymphocytes|lymphocytes]], [[Monocytes - Reptile|monocytes]] and [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Azurophils|azurophils]]) and [[Thrombocytes - Reptile|thrombocytes]].

Blood cells include erythrocytes which are nucleated, [[Leucocytes - Reptile|leucocytes]] ([[Heterophils - Reptile|heterophils]], [[Eosinophils - Reptile|eosinophils]], [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Basophils|basophils]], [[Lymphocytes - Reptile|lymphocytes]], [[Monocytes - Reptile|monocytes]] and [[Lizard_and_Snake_Cell_Identification#Azurophils|azurophils]]) and [[Thrombocytes - Reptile|thrombocytes]].

==Interpretation==

==Interpretation==

Blood parameters in reptiles are influenced by a wide array of variables that include species, age, sex, nutritional status, physiological status, season, environment, blood sampling technique, sample handling, use of anticoagulants and methods of staining. It is also not uncommon for blood samples to be contaminated with lymph. Therefore it is preferable to obtain a set of normal reference values for each individual reptile during times of health under known environmental and nutritional conditions. The morphology of cells may provide more information than the cell counts.  

Blood parameters in reptiles are influenced by a wide array of variables that include species, age, sex, nutritional status, physiological status, season, environment, blood sampling technique, sample handling, use of anticoagulants and methods of staining. It is also not uncommon for blood samples to be contaminated with lymph. Therefore it is preferable to obtain a set of normal reference values for each individual reptile during times of health under known environmental and nutritional conditions. The morphology of cells may provide more information than the cell counts.  

==Staining==

==Staining==

Romanowsky stains, although time consuming, give the best results. DiffQuik may give adequate results. Reticulocytes are detected with new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue and other supravital stains. Cell-specific stains are available.

Romanowsky stains, although time consuming, give the best results. DiffQuik may give adequate results. Reticulocytes are detected with new methylene blue, brilliant cresyl blue and other supravital stains. Cell-specific stains are available.

[[Category:Lizard_Diagnostics|H]]

[[Category:Lizard_Diagnostics|H]]

[[Category:Snake_Diagnostics]]

[[Category:Snake_Diagnostics]]