Matthew Raske, D.V.M., Gregory
A. Lewbart, M.S., V.M.D., Dipl. A.C.Z.M., Daniel S. Dombrowski, M.S., D.V.M.,
Peyton Hale, B.S., Maria Correa, Ph.D., and Larry S. Christian, B.S.
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife
Medicine 43(3):517-521. 2012
doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1638/2011-0244R.1
From the Department of
Clinical Sciences, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary
Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA (Raske,
Lewbart, Dombrowski, Christian); Department of Population Health and
Pathobiology, North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine,
1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, North Carolina 27607, USA (Correa); and
North Carolina State Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh,
North Carolina 27601, USA (Christian, Dombrowski, Hale). Present address
(Raske): The Animal Medical Center, 510 E. 62nd Street, New York, New York
10065.
Correspondence should be
directed to Dr. Lewbart (greg_lewbart@ncsu.edu).
Abstract:
Ectothermic vertebrates are a
diverse group of animals that rely on external sources to maintain a preferred
body temperature. Amphibians and reptiles have a preferred optimal temperature
zone that allows for optimal biological function. Physiologic processes in
ectotherms are influenced by temperature; these animals have capabilities in
which they make use of behavioral and physiologic mechanisms to thermoregulate.
Core body, ambient air, body surface, and surface/water temperatures were
obtained from six ectothermic species including one anuran, two snakes, two
turtles, and one alligator. Clinically significant differences between core
body temperature and ambient temperature were noted in the black rat snake,
corn snake, and eastern box turtle. No significant differences were found
between core body and ambient temperature for the American alligator, bullfrog,
mata mata turtle, dead spotted turtle, or dead mole king snake. This study indicates
some ectotherms are able to regulate their body temperatures independent of
their environment. Body temperature of ectotherms is an important component
that clinicians should consider when selecting and providing therapeutic care.
Investigation of basic physiologic parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate,
and body temperature) from a diverse population of healthy ectothermic
vertebrates may provide baseline data for a systematic health care approach.
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to http://www.bioone.org/action/showFullPopup?doi=10.1638%2F2011-0244R.1&id=i1042-7260-43-3-517-t01
for table.
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