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Evaluation of the metabolic profile indices allows early detection and treatment of various metabolic disorders during the transition period in ewes. This study aimed to determine the variations in the blood metabolites around lambing in Ossimi ewes. The blood metabolites were investigated in ewes with single (n = 27) and multiple (n = 9) lambs at 3‐ and 1‐week pre‐lambing and 3‐week post‐lambing. The plasma concentrations of glucose were higher in single‐bearing ewes than those in multiple‐bearing ewes (p <.05), moreover, its lowest value was measured at 1‐week prepartum in both groups. Throughout the study period, the serum concentrations of non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) were significantly increased in ewes with multiple lambs compared to ewes with single lambs (p <.05), and the highest value was found at 1‐week before parturition in both groups. In addition, the serum level of beta‐hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) was higher at 3‐week postpartum, and it was significantly increased in multiple‐bearing ewes than that in single‐bearing ones (p <.05) at 3‐week pre‐lambing. In both groups, the lowest values of total proteins were determined 1‐week before lambing, and its concentrations, at 3‐ and 1‐week prepartum, were higher in ewes with single lambs than those with multiple lambs (p <.05). In contrast, the serum concentrations of albumin were significantly lowered 1‐week postpartum (p <.05), and without significant differences between both groups (p >.05). The serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma‐glutamyltransferase (GGT) were significantly increased at 1‐week after parturition in both groups (p <.05). Furthermore, the serum activities of AST were higher in multiple‐bearing ewes than those in single‐bearing ones at 3‐week pre‐lambing and 3‐week post‐lambing (p <.05). Variable positive and negative correlations were determined among the blood metabolites. In conclusion, physiological adaptations are associated with the fluctuation of the blood metabolites around lambing. The higher the number of foetuses the higher the metabolic variations in Ossimi ewes. Therefore, regular metabolic profiling for health monitoring may be necessary to avoid disease development during the transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dogs' temperature is measured through the rectum, which can be difficult to obtain in animals with aggressive nature, or those with ano-rectal conditions. Alternative instruments and routes have also been developed. These alternative methods may yield different results. This study aimed to compare different methods in measuring the internal temperature of dogs. Cases referred to the small animal clinic (n=20) for a general health check were included in this study upon confirming their health status. Axillary, tympanic membrane and rectal temperature were measured 30 minutes post-arrival. Rectal temperature (RT) was measured first using a mercury thermometer and a digital thermometer. Axillary temperature (AT) was measured using a digital thermometer. The tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) was measured last using an infrared thermometer. Complete blood count (CBC) profiles, heart rates and respiratory rates of animals were within normal range. The difference between RT and AT ranged from 0.1°C to 1.1°C, whereas that between RT and TMT ranged from 0.03°C to 2.1°C. 40% of temperatures measured by AT and 90% of those measured with TMT differed by more than 0.5°C from those measured by RT. AT and TMT were positively correlated with RT (r = 0.833, P < 0.0001) and (r = 0.475, P = 0.035) respectively. AT and TMT were weakly correlated (r = 0.542, P = 0.014). The present study showed that RT shouldn't be substituted for AT or TMT in dogs. AT and TMT cannot be used interchangeably with rectal temperature in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]