Blood Values in Free-Ranging Pancake Tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri)

Samples from 34 free-ranging healthy pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) at two localities in Tanzania were evaluated for packed cell volume, hemoparasites, plasma biochemicals, α- and γ-tocopherols, retinol, and fecal parasites. Cholesterol, calcium, α-tocopherol, and retinol values were significantly higher in females than in males. Glucose values were higher in males. Gamma-tocopherol was significantly higher in animals from one location than the other, indicating possible dietary differences. There was a strong correlation between cholesterol and α-tocopherol for all animals. No blood parasites were observed on stained blood smears. Fecal examinations revealed low levels of strongly-type ova in 11 animals.