A comparison of non-contact, subcutaneous, and rectal temperatures in captive owl monkeys ( Aotus sp.).

Background Three methods of body temperature measurement were compared in owl monkeys: non-contact infrared thermometry, subcutaneous transponder, and rectal probe. Methods Forty owl monkeys ( Aotus sp.) were used. Animals were implanted with subcutaneous microchip transponders. Infrared thermometry was used at three different sites. All measurements were taken and repeated randomly. Results Infrared and subcutaneous measurements did not agree well with rectal thermometry. Subcutaneous and rectal temperatures were highly repeatable, and subcutaneous temperatures were most agreeable to rectal temperatures. Conclusions Further investigation is needed into subcutaneous implant sites and use of different infrared thermometers in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]