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Avian and non-avian reptiles

Mar 23, 2023 | Avian, Reptiles & Amphibians

Despite birds and reptiles looking different… they are actually a monophyletic group and share many features. Crocodiles are more closely related to birds than to other reptile groups!

There are so many fascinating facts about these species…

· They don’t have oxytocin, they have vasotocin and mesotocin.

· They don’t have neutrophils, they have heterophils.

· Their red blood cells and platelets are nucleated (which can really confuse haematology analysers…).

· They don’t have a diaphragm, and hypoventilate or are completely apnoeic under general anaesthesia. This is why a ventilator is routinely used in these species for general anaesthesia. Respiratory systems of birds and reptiles differ significantly to mammals, down to the microscopic level. 

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