RESUMEN
The use of long-acting gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to suppress fertility has been poorly investigated in reptiles, and the few available studies show inconsistent results. The efficacy of single and double intramuscular 4.7 mg deslorelin acetate implants in captive pond sliders (Trachemys scripta) was investigated, with 20 animals divided into three groups: a single-implant group (6 animals), a double-implant group (6 animals), and a control group (no implant). During one reproductive season (March to October), plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone) and ovarian morphometric activity via computed tomography were monitored about every 30 days. A significative decrease in the number of phase II ovarian follicles was detected in the double-implant group compared with the control group, but no significant difference was noted in the number of phase III and phase IV follicles, egg production, and plasmatic concentration of sexual hormones. Results show that neither a single nor a double deslorelin acetate implant can successfully inhibit reproduction in female pond sliders during the ongoing season, but the lower number of phase II follicles in the double-implant group can possibly be associated with reduced fertility in the following seasons.
RESUMEN
Part 1 presents a comprehensive overview of the differences between mammals on sampling methods, processing, testing, and interpretation of data, with special attention to the meaning of pathologic and normal, and the differences among species and diseases. Part 2 critically analyzes 150 different hematologic and biochemical profiles obtained over 5 years from 150 psittacine birds belonging to 29 different species, brought to our clinic and/or examined in other locations, with confirmed or strongly suspected diseases. The results are grouped according to the various pathologies observed with respect to species and the degree of variation from the reference range of each species.