Research Note: Body Temperature Measurement in Guinea Pigs

Body temperature is an important clinical indicator. In guinea pigs, the physical restraint required for taking a rectal temperature can cause stress and may induce hyperthermia. Less invasive methods for obtaining a temperature in this species have been examined; the present study assessed whether body temperatures taken in the axillary (AT) or inguinal (IT) areas were as accurate as rectal temperature (RT). Temperatures were measured in duplicate using a commercially available digital thermometer according to a standardized method over a short (<3 minute) period. AT and IT were consistently significantly lower than RT by 0.58^ºF (0.32^ºC) and 1.31^ºF (0.73^ºC), respectively. RT was not unduly stressful, and no patients were injured. Given these findings, the authors concluded that rectal temperature should remain the gold standard for temperature measurement in guinea pigs.