This study aimed to characterize anatomical and biochemical properties of owl monkey kidneys in
order to provide normal reference values. Sixty-nine Aotus azarai infulatus (45 males and 24 females)
were divided into four different age groups (AG1: 3months?1 year; AG2: 2?3 years; AG3: 4?6 years; and
AG4: over 7 years old). The monkeys were evaluated with a serum chemistry profile, focusing on serum
creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and with ultrasound. Mean body mass differed among
the age groups. This significance was attributed to AG1 body mass being significantly lower than in
AG2 and that in both AG2 and AG3 being significantly lower than in the two older age groups (AG3 and
AG4). SCr and BUN concentrations differed significantly between the sexes and SCr level correlated
positively with age. In contrast, renal measurements did not differ between males and females. Left
and right renal volumes did not differ significantly within age groups, or among AG2, AG3, and AG4.
Renal volumes in AG1, however, while not differing from those in AG2, did differ significantly from
those in AG3 and AG4. In conclusion, this study provides ultrasonographic reference values for the
morphology the kidneys in A. a. infulatus. Evidence is also provided that SCr and BUN levels in owl
monkeys are influenced by the sex and age of the individual, factors that should be considered when
interpreting test results.
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