Evaluation of Infrared Thermometry in Cynomolgus Macaques (Macaca fascicularis).

Recording an accurate body temperature is important to assess an animal's health status. We compared temperature data from sedated cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) to evaluate differences between rectal, infrared (inguinal and chest), and implanted telemetry techniques with the objective of demonstrating the diagnostic equivalence of the infrared device with other approaches. Infrared thermometer readings are instantaneous and require no contact with the animal. Body temperature data were obtained from 205 (137 male, 68 female) cynomolgus macaques under ketamine (10 mg/kg IM) sedation over a 3-mo period during scheduled physical examinations. Infrared measurements were taken 5 cm from the chest and inguinal areas. We evaluated 10 (9 functional devices) sedated cynomolgus macaques (5 male, 5 female) implanted with telemetry units in a muscular pouch between the internal and external abdominal oblique muscles. We determined that the mean body temperature acquired by using telemetry did not differ from either the mean of inguinal and chest infrared measurements but did differ from the mean of temperature obtained rectally. In addition, the mean rectal temperature differed from the mean of the inguinal reading but not the mean of the chest temperature. The results confirm our hypothesis that the infrared thermometer can be used to replace standard rectal thermometry.

Assessment of an intraprostatic injection technique through a perineal approach in macaques.

We developed a surgical procedure for accessing the prostate gland of the cynomolgus monkey (Macaca fascicularis) through the perineal cavity. The procedure can be used for direct injection of compounds into the prostate gland and (or) for the collection of biopsies. The rationale for developing this technique at our site was the need for precise injection into the gland with a low probability of error, as the compound tested in a subsequent study required prostate-specific antigen for activation. A perianal incision was made approximately 1 cm ventral to the anus, and the muscle and subcutaneous tissue were bluntly dissected between the urethra and the rectum. The prostate gland was easily visualized after dissection, and could be grasped gently by the capsule and exteriorized through the incision, thus allowing easy access to the prostate for study purposes. On the basis of mock injections with methylene blue dye and gross observation of prostate tissue at necropsies immediately after injection, we recommend that 2 injections be given per lobe of prostate, and injections should be to a depth of 2 to 3 mm to provide uniform distribution of injected compounds. To minimize back pressure and leakage from the injection site, a smallgauge needle (23-27 gauge) should be used and the needle held in place for approximately 30 s before withdrawal. Injection volumes 64 mul per g prostate or less did not cause the back flow of methylene blue dye into the seminal vesicles.

Vaginal and cervical atresia in a cynomolgus macaque.

A female cynomolgus monkey presented clinically with a caudal abdominal mass noted on a prestudy physical examination. No other clinical abnormalities were noted. An ultrasound examination revealed a mass approximately 2 cm in diameter, which contained fluid with a granular "free-floating" appearance. Within a month the mass enlarged and was visible from external examination. Exploratory laparotomy revealed a mass encompassing the uterus, both ovaries, bladder, and rectum. The animal was euthanized under anesthesia, and the mass was removed, examined, and submitted for histopathology. A diagnosis of vaginal and cervical atresia was made. To the author's knowledge, this is the first description of vaginal and cervical atresia in a laboratory nonhuman primate.