Box turtles (Terrapene spp.) maintained as pet animals are commonly presented to the veterinary clinic for health care. A complete blood count (CBC) is recommended for box turtle patients as part of the annual physical examination, when they are ill, and before owner-induced brumation. Box turtles from the wild also are commonly presented for injuries and illness, including vehicular trauma, bot fly infestation, and predator attack. The initial health assessment of a wild turtle patient may be enhanced by evaluating the results of a CBC. This article will review venipuncture sites and hematologic techniques for obtaining blood samples to submit for a CBC, as well as give comments on interpreting CBC results in box turtles based on author experience and literature review. Hopefully, this article will promote further exploration and publication relevant to the evaluation of box turtle hematology. 2010 Elsevier Inc.
