In lorises it is difficult to obtain blood
samples with a syringe, possibly because of the existence of specialized
bundles of blood vessels in the limbs, the retia mirabilia. At Ruhr-University,
therefore, blood samples are obtained with the help of laboratory-bred,
tropical blood-suckling bugs (Dipetalogaster maxima). Veins in the
auricles of Loris may be visibly enlarged when ambient temperature
is high. In connection with multiple small sweat glands found in the ear
skin (Montagna, Ellis 1960), these veins most probably are important for
regulation of body temperature. Marking of lorises by cutting incisions
into the ear rim might therefore be disadvantageous for the animals.
Sources:
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Loris
and related species: health
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Last amendment: 5 May 2000
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