Establishment of reference intervals for plasma protein electrophoresis and comparison of biochemical and protein electrophoresis evaluation of albumin in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps).

The aim of this study is to develop a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis for wild free-roaming central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps). This will assist the veterinarian in diagnosing and monitoring diseases in wild and captive animals. The study group consisted of 29 wild central bearded dragons of which 22 were males and 7 were females. The plasma samples were obtained from animals in a previous study and were stored frozen at -20°C for 2-3 years before analysis. Plasma protein electrophoresis was performed on 100 uL of plasma. The data were evaluated for the difference between reproductively active females and pooled males with non-reproductively active females as well as the difference between biochemical and protein electrophoresis albumin. Biochemical albumin was found to be significantly higher than electrophoresis albumin in all animals, with a mild proportional bias present. Plasma protein electrophoresis identified albumin, α - 1 and 2, β - 1 and 2 and γ fractions. The reproductively active females in this study exhibited results that were distinct from pooled males and non-reproductively active females. This study provides a reference interval for plasma protein electrophoresis in central bearded dragons that can be used as a tool for health and disease monitoring and diagnosis. The importance of the use of method and sex/season appropriate reference intervals in reptile medicine is confirmed in this study.