The diagnostic utility and reference intervals for blood studies in Aldabra giant tortoises (Aldabrachelys gigantea) are not well described. Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) has been evaluated in non-mammalian vertebrates and shows a higher fraction resolution and less overall variation in results than agarose gel electrophoresis. To date, the investigation of novel biomarkers has been limited in reptiles. MRP-126, a calgranulin homologue in reptiles, has not been evaluated for its diagnostic potential in tortoises. The goals of this study were to establish preliminary reference intervals for CZE protein electrophoresis and to examine MRP-126 as a potential biomarker of inflammation in Aldabra giant tortoises. In 27 clinically healthy tortoises, CZE resolved seven protein fractions. In tortoises with an inflammatory or infectious disease process (n = 4), MRP-126 concentrations and CZE fractions did not consistently increase or were abnormal. To strengthen the understanding of the diagnostic value of CZE and MRP-126 concentration in this species, future studies should evaluate a larger sample set inclusive of repeated measures of clinically abnormal tortoises as well as CZE and MRP-126 variations in regard to additional health conditions, age, sex, season, and geographic location.

Zoo-managed adult African painted dogs (Lycaon pictus; n = 17) were anesthetized with mean dosages of dexmedetomidine 5 µg/kg, ketamine 1.93 mg/kg, butorphanol 0.2 mg/kg, and midazolam 0.15 mg/kg IM. Times to induction milestones (mean ± SD or median [range]) were initial effects at 2 min (1–4 min), recumbency at 3.2 ± 1.1 min, and intubation at 11.6 ± 1.3 min. Two dogs required isoflurane supplementation for intubation. Anesthesia was antagonized with mean dosages of atipamezole 0.05 mg/kg IM, naltrexone 0.2 mg/kg IM, and flumazenil 0.01 mg/kg IV. Times from antagonist administration to recovery milestones were extubation at 3.9 ± 1.5 min, control of head at 7.6 ± 2.5 min, sternal positioning at 8.8 ± 2.3 min, and standing at 12.1 ± 3.5 min. Animals were judged ready for reunification with conspecifics at 41.5 min (28–127 min), and reunification occurred at 62.1 ± 35.2 min. Paired arterial blood gas samples were obtained (n = 13). There was a significant decrease in temperature and blood pressure and increase in pO2, BEecf, and HCO3– (P < 0.05). Decreased respiratory rate with hypercapnia was occasionally observed. This protocol provided consistent anesthesia using a low dose α-2 agonist and permitted quick pack reunification.