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Background and Aim: Body temperature is the most useful clinical parameter for evaluating animal health. In clinical practice, rectal temperature is the gold standard for assessing body temperature, but rectal temperature measurement is not convenient and can cause stress in animals. The non-contact infrared thermometer is considered an alternative method for skin temperature measurements in animals. Many biological factors may influence the response of body regions to thermal challenges; thus, the identification of these variables is essential for accurate infrared temperature measurements. This study aimed to estimate the relationship between the physiological factors of cats and their body temperature measured across various body positions, as well as to propose a model for predicting rectal temperature using an infrared thermometer. Materials and Methods: A total of 184 client-owned cats were included in this study. The infrared temperature (°F) was measured using a non-contact infrared thermometer at five body positions: maxillary canine gingival margin (GCT), anal skin (ANS), inguinal canal (ING), ear canal (EC), and palmar pad. The five biological factors (age, body condition score [BCS], gender, hair type, and hair color) were recorded and analyzed to adjust predictive factors for rectal temperature prediction. All statistical analyses were performed using multivariable linear regression. The rectal temperature prediction model was then designed using the forward stepwise selection method. Results: Based on multivariable linear regression analysis of infrared temperature results, the pre-prediction model showed significant correlations with rectal temperature for ANS, GCT, and EC (p = 0.0074, 0.0042, and 0.0118, respectively). Moreover, the combination of infrared temperatures on ANS and ING was the most appropriate parameter for predicting rectal temperature (p = 0.0008). All models were adjusted according to the baseline characteristics of the cats. However, the adjusted R-squared values of the pre-prediction model of the infrared temperature on the ANS, GCT, and EC and the final prediction model by the infrared temperature on the ANS combined with the ING were low (8.7%, 8.9%, 7.3%, and 12.8%, respectively). Conclusion: The prediction model of rectal temperature of cats by infrared temperature from a non-contact infrared thermometer in ANS combined with ING and adjusted by age, BCS, hair type, and hair color may be applicable for use in clinical practice. This study found that the adjusted R-squared values of all models were low; the predictive model will need to be developed and used to test validity and reliability with an external study group for assessing their practical usefulness.

Surface temperature recording has shown promise in older pigs and in piglets but only under controlled conditions. The aim of this experiment was to compare surface temperatures using an infrared thermal camera (pointer), verified by the maximum temperature from the thermal images extracted by an algorithm (MATLAB®R2020), at the base, tip of ear, or eye, with rectal temperature under production conditions. The influence of bodyweight (BWC1; ≤0.80 kg, BWC2; 0.81 kg to 1.10 kg and BWC3; >1.10 kg), time post-partum (0 and 24 h) and colostrum intake (CI1;

ABSTRACT Objective The objectives of this study were to compare the body temperatures between pregnant and nonpregnant cats from two sites, lacrimal caruncle temperature (LCT) and rectal temperature (RT), and to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) between pregnant and nonpregnant cats. Animal studied This study was performed on 13 pregnant and 16 anoestrous cats. Procedures The gestation period of the pregnant cats ranged from 20 to 45 days. A vaginal smear was also performed to determine the sexual cycles of nonpregnant cats. The IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer. Results The pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) exhibited a lower RT than the nonpregnant cats (38.5 ± 0.5°C) (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups in the right (R)‐LCT or left (L)‐LCT (p > 0.05). The average LCT temperature measured 32.30 ± 2.23°C in cats. The right (R)‐IOP in pregnant cats (17.69 ± 5.6 mm Hg) was significantly lower than in nonpregnant cats (22.37 ± 5.27 mm Hg) (p < 0.029). Pregnant cats exhibited a significantly lower left (L)‐IOP value (17.69 ± 5.76 mm Hg) compared to nonpregnant cats (23.18 ± 5.55 mm Hg) (p < 0.015). Conclusion This study presents a preliminary report that documents a noteworthy reduction in RT in pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) as compared to cats in anoestrus. Pregnancy also has an effect on the IOP. It was hypothesised that the hormonal changes induced by pregnancy in cats would have a substantial impact on IOP and RT. Although body temperature can be measured using LCT, RT should still be utilised as the reference measurement site.

Variations in temperature throughout the reproductive tract have been noted in many species. A recent study found the cervix-rectum temperature differential (CR-TD) in cattle was related to fertility. The present study aimed to assess the CR-TD in mares around the time of ovulation and relate it to embryo recover. Over 52 cycles, mares were inseminated with a fertile stallion and embryo recovery was undertaken on Day 7 post ovulation. Further 10 control mares were not inseminated. Rectal and cervical temperatures were measured using a precision thermometer on four or five occasions: the day of deslorelin administration and insemination, the day before ovulation, the day of ovulation (Day 0), the day after ovulation and, for inseminated mares, before embryo recovery on Day 7. One-way ANOVA showed that the CR-TD was significantly lower on the day of ovulation in the 36 positive cycles, in which an embryo was recovered, versus the 16 in which the embryo flush was negative (0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09°C; p < 0.001). Control cycles showed equivalent CR-TD to positive (0.13 ± 0.22 vs. 0.21 ± 0.17°C; p = 0.196) but not negative cycles (0.13 ± 0.22 vs. 0.40 ± 0.09°C; p < 0.001). A positive embryo recovery was associated with lower CR-TDs from the time of insemination and deslorelin to the day after ovulation compared to the day of embryo flushing (RM ANOVA; p < 0.001; Pairwise comparisons; p ≤ 0.01, in all cases). Rectal or cervical temperatures per se showed no significant differences between positive, negative or control cycles at any time point. In conclusion, a thermoregulatory process occurs close to ovulation which results in a lower CR-TD in cycles that produced an embryo versus those which did not. Further characterisation of TDs within the reproductive tract of the mare would increase our understanding of the conditions required for optimum fertility., (© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Heat stress (HS) may result in changes in the behavior, endocrine system, and physiological characteristics of dairy cows, and it may even lead to death in severe cases. As the effects of global warming have become more notable, the prevalence of HS has increased among dairy cows. Therefore, comprehensive strategies, including not only cooling measures but also dietary adjustments and genetic improvements for heat tolerance, are required to help these animals regulate their body temperature and avoid HS. In addition, detecting HS signs is essential for both lactating and dry cows to ensure appropriate interventions. The temperature-humidity index (THI) is a widely used tool for evaluating the effects of HS on livestock. Since the physiological state of cattle significantly influences their responses to HS, it is imperative to establish specific THI thresholds for both lactating and dry cows to implement appropriate cooling regimens and optimize animal welfare. In this study, we used the THI to investigate the relationship between rectal temperature (RT), respiration rate (RR), and sweating rate (SR) in lactating and dry cows. We also explored the relationships between milk yield at different lactation stages and THI thresholds. The results indicated that lactating and dry cows had different THI thresholds based on their immediate physiological responses. Compared with lactating cows, dry cows had higher THI thresholds for RT, RR, and SR. In addition, cows in early-, intermediate-, and late-lactation stages under thermoneutral conditions produced significantly more milk than did those under mild, moderate, and severe HS conditions, indicating that milk yield losses occur under HS conditions. Taken together, these findings provide valuable insights into how HS can be mitigated in subtropical dairy farms. For lactating cows, implementing cooling measures is recommended when the THI reaches 66 to 67, whereas for dry cows, waiting until the THI reaches 73 is recommended. Milk yield losses may occur when lactating cows are under HS conditions. Therefore, appropriate cooling measures should be implemented at accurate THI thresholds to ensure optimal animal welfare for both lactating and dry cows., (The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of the American Dairy Science Association®. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).)

Objective: The objectives of this study were to compare the body temperatures between pregnant and nonpregnant cats from two sites, lacrimal caruncle temperature (LCT) and rectal temperature (RT), and to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) between pregnant and nonpregnant cats., Animal Studied: This study was performed on 13 pregnant and 16 anoestrous cats., Procedures: The gestation period of the pregnant cats ranged from 20 to 45 days. A vaginal smear was also performed to determine the sexual cycles of nonpregnant cats. The IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer., Results: The pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) exhibited a lower RT than the nonpregnant cats (38.5 ± 0.5°C) (p < 0.05). No significant differences existed between the pregnant and nonpregnant groups in the right (R)-LCT or left (L)-LCT (p > 0.05). The average LCT temperature measured 32.30 ± 2.23°C in cats. The right (R)-IOP in pregnant cats (17.69 ± 5.6 mm Hg) was significantly lower than in nonpregnant cats (22.37 ± 5.27 mm Hg) (p < 0.029). Pregnant cats exhibited a significantly lower left (L)-IOP value (17.69 ± 5.76 mm Hg) compared to nonpregnant cats (23.18 ± 5.55 mm Hg) (p < 0.015)., Conclusion: This study presents a preliminary report that documents a noteworthy reduction in RT in pregnant cats (38 ± 0.7°C) as compared to cats in anoestrus. Pregnancy also has an effect on the IOP. It was hypothesised that the hormonal changes induced by pregnancy in cats would have a substantial impact on IOP and RT. Although body temperature can be measured using LCT, RT should still be utilised as the reference measurement site., (© 2024 The Author(s). Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Heat stress (HS) exerts detrimental effects on animal production, with lactating sows being particularly vulnerable. Understanding the mechanisms involved in HS response could aid in developing effective strategies against the negative impacts on livestock. Recent genome wide association studies identified two core circadian clock genes as potential candidates in mediating HS response. The study aimed to investigate how cooling lactating sows under natural heat stress conditions impacted circadian patterns of respiration rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), behavior, salivary melatonin and cortisol levels, and diurnal patterns of cytokines in saliva. Mixed parity lactating sows were assigned to one of two treatment groups: electronic cooling pad (C; n = 9) and heat-stressed (H; n = 9). The experiment spanned two 48 h periods of elevated ambient temperatures due to summer heat wave. In the first 48 h period, RR was recorded every 30 min, RT every 60 min, and behaviors (eating, standing, sitting, laying, sleeping, drinking, and nursing) every 5 min. In the second 48 h period, saliva samples were collected every 4 h. Cooling reduced RR and RT and altered circadian patterns (P < 0.05). Cooling did not affect amount of time engaged in any behavior over the 48 h period (P > 0.05), however, daily patterns of eating, standing and laying differed between the treatments (P < 0.05), with altered eating behavior related to RT increment in H sows (P < 0.05). Cooling increased and altered the circadian pattern of salivary melatonin (P < 0.05). Cooling also influenced the diurnal pattern of saliva cytokines. Cooling had no impact on saliva cortisol levels. In conclusion, cooling HS sows impacted circadian rhythms of physiology and behavior, supporting the need for further research to understand if circadian disruption underlies decreased production efficiency of HS animals., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Ogundare et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Body temperature is a vital parameter to assess the health of exotic animals. Rectal thermometry is a common way to measure body temperature in rodents, rabbits and ferrets and often considered the gold standard. However, taking a rectal temperature often involves restraint and can lead to stress in these animals. To avoid the stress of rectal temperature measurements, alternative (often less invasive) techniques have been utilized in several species. These methods include tympanic thermometry, axillary thermometry and infrared thermography. It is however important to establish whether these strategies yield comparable readings to the gold standard. Therefore, a literature review was performed using the MedLine and Google Scholar databases. Base terms referring to rectal temperature and thermometry were combined with species-specific search terms. Relatively few studies were identified about alternatives to rectal temperature measurements in rodents, rabbits and ferrets. In general, it can be noted that only transponder measurements have repeatedly been described to be a valid alternative to rectal temperature measurement. Further research should be conducted. USTREZNOST ALTERNATIVNIH TEHNIK REKTALNEMU MERJENJU TEMPERATURE PRI HIŠNIH GLODAVCIH, KUNCIH IN BELIH DIHURJIH - PREGLED LITERATURE Izvleček: Telesna temperatura je pomemben parameter za oceno zdravja eksotičnih živali. Rektalno merjenje temperature je običajen način merjenja telesne temperature pri glodavcih, kuncih in belih dihurjih in pogosto velja za zlati standard. Vendar je merjenje rektalne temperature pri teh živalih pogosto povezano z omejevanjem gibanja in povzročanjem stresa. Da bi se izognili stresu pri merjenju rektalne temperature, so bile pri več vrstah živali uporabljene alternativne (pogosto manj invazivne) tehnike. Te metode vključujejo infrardečo termografijo ter merjenje temperature timpanično in aksilarno. Vendar pa je pomembno ugotoviti, ali te strategije dajejo primerljive rezultate z zlatim standardom. Zato smo opravili pregled literature z uporabo podatkovnih zbirk MedLine in Google Scholar. Osnovni izrazi, ki se nanašajo na rektalno temperaturo in merjenje temperature, so bili združeni z iskalnimi izrazi, značilnimi za posamezne vrste. Pri glodavcih, kuncih in belih dihurjih je bilo najdenih razmeroma malo študij o alternativah rektalnim meritvam temperature. Na splošno lahko ugotovimo, da so bile le meritve s transponderjem večkrat opisane kot veljavna alternativa rektalnemu merjenju temperature. Potrebne so nadaljnje raziskave. Ključne besede: rektalna temperatura; glodavci; kunci; beli dihurji; alternative

Abstract Objective This study aimed to compare rectal temperature (RT) with temperatures measured in the pinna, cornea, medial canthus, gingiva, metacarpal pad and axillary region of cats in a home environment. Animals Studied Five healthy mixed‐breed cats (two females and three males) owned by a veterinarian were used. Procedures All temperature measurements were conducted by the owner by using an infrared camera in the same room and initiated with the pinna, followed by the cornea, medial canthus, gingiva and metacarpal pad. Subsequently, axillary temperature (AT) and RT were recorded by a digital thermometer, respectively. The time taken for a single AT and RT measurements was recorded. Results The average measurement time for RT was 17.34 ± 0.89 s, with a range of 8–32 s, whereas AT measurements took an average of 46.72 ± 1.16 s, with a range of 29–69 s. AT emerged as a superior alternative measurement site compared to others, exhibiting the lowest bias and the highest proportion of readings within the limits of clinical agreement. The mean difference between RT and AT, with 95% limits of agreement for the differences, was −0.26 (−1.13 to 0.61). Conclusions Anatomical regions were not all interchangeable with the rectum for assessing body temperature (BT), with AT recording the highest level of agreement with RT. When RT is not possible, AT could be considered as an alternative for monitoring BT in clinically healthy cats that live in a home environment.

Veterinarians rely on the measurement of canine body temperature to define the health status of dogs, but no studies exist defining a reference range for rectal temperature on a large group of dogs. The aim of this study was to define the rectal body temperature of dogs based on a large data set of diseased and healthy animals and to evaluate the capability of the employed algorithm to calculate reference intervals of numerical clinical data. Out of 24,013 recorded measurements, statistical analysis was applied to data from 9782 adult dogs that underwent clinical examination at a university clinic between 2008 and 2017. The reference interval was calculated using an algorithm developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin e.V. as part of its Reference Limit Estimator software (version 1.40.36.07). The following values were excluded: multiple measurements in a given dog, samples without assigned age or dogs younger than one year, and values 43.0 °C. Out of 9782 adult dogs, 665 temperature measurements were identified as outliers, and 9117 were used for further statistical analysis. The mean rectal temperature was 38.6 °C (90% CI: 38.6–38.6 °C) with a reference interval of 37.7 °C (90% CI: 37.7–37.7 °C) to 39.5 °C (90% CI: 39.5–39.5 °C). Validation according to CLSI guidelines showed the results to be valid. The determination of a reference interval for rectal temperatures in dogs using an algorithm for mixed datasets yielded results comparable to the existing reference intervals. This demonstrates that the calculation of reference intervals from mixed datasets of clinical numerical data can be used to confirm existing reference intervals or establish such de novo.

In clinical examination of rabbits, the temperature is usually recorded with a digital thermometer introduced rectally, an invasive procedure that could cause handling stress. The aim of this study was to assess body temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in four areas of the rabbit’s anatomy: eye (ETT), outer ear (OETT), inner ear (IETT) and nose (NTT), and then validate it as an alternative measure to rectal temperature (RT) assessed with a conventional thermometer. Temperature samples were taken twice a week from 48 weaned rabbits of Spanish Common Rabbit breed during a 38-d fattening period. The factors considered were: doe from which the rabbits came (8 does), weeks of fattening period (4 to 5 wk), batch (3 periods of the year: April-May, June-July and January-February) and group size (cages with 1 to 7 rabbits). On average, the results were an RT of 38.48±0.02 °C; ETT of 37.31±0.05 °C; OETT of 29.09±0.26°C; IETT of 30.53±0.251 °C, and NTT of 33.29±0.11 °C (mean±se). Moderate, statistically significant positive correlations (PP

OBJECTIVE To assessthe repeatability of infrared thermometertemperature readings and evaluate the correlation between digitai rectal temperature and infrared thermometer temperatures taken at different locations in healthy afebrile horses. ANIMALS 101 afebrile horses ≥ 1 year old. METHODS Digital rectal temperatures and infrared temperatures from the eye, gingiva, neck, axilla, and perineum were obtained in a climate-controlled environment and at 2 outdoor ambient temperatures (study period, November 1, 2021, to April 30,2023). RESULTS Infrared temperature measurements were well tolerated by horses, including those resistant to rectal temperature. There was significant correlation between rectal temperature and infrared temperature taken at the perineum (R = 0.57; P < .001) and eye (R = 0.37; P < .001). Infrared temperature measurements were highly repeatable, allowing for calculation of reference ranges for the perineum (36.0 to 37.8 °C) and eye (35.7 to 37.1 °C) in climate-controlled conditions. There was increased variance in outside temperatures compared to climate-controlled conditions for the eye (P = .002), gingiva (P = .047), and perineum (P = .005). CLINICAL RELEVANCE While infrared thermometer temperatures were not numerically the same as rectal temperature using a digital thermometer, measurements at the perineum and eye were correlated with rectal temperature readings. Further, the repeatability of infrared readings allows for computation of reference ranges that make the infrared thermometer a viable alternative for the practicing veterinarian when obtaining a temperature in uncooperative horses. The infrared thermometer was reliable outdoors for the eye, but not the perineum. Additional validation of infrared temperature reference ranges in febrile horses and warmer ambient temperatures is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Veterinarians rely on the measurement of canine body temperature to define the health status of dogs, but no studies exist defining a reference range for rectal temperature on a large group of dogs. The aim of this study was to define the rectal body temperature of dogs based on a large data set of diseased and healthy animals and to evaluate the capability of the employed algorithm to calculate reference intervals of numerical clinical data. Out of 24,013 recorded measurements, statistical analysis was applied to data from 9782 adult dogs that underwent clinical examination at a university clinic between 2008 and 2017. The reference interval was calculated using an algorithm developed by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Klinische Chemie und Laboratoriumsmedizin e.V. as part of its Reference Limit Estimator software (version 1.40.36.07). The following values were excluded: multiple measurements in a given dog, samples without assigned age or dogs younger than one year, and values <30.0 °C and >43.0 °C. Out of 9782 adult dogs, 665 temperature measurements were identified as outliers, and 9117 were used for further statistical analysis. The mean rectal temperature was 38.6 °C (90% CI: 38.6-38.6 °C) with a reference interval of 37.7 °C (90% CI: 37.7-37.7 °C) to 39.5 °C (90% CI: 39.5-39.5 °C). Validation according to CLSI guidelines showed the results to be valid. The determination of a reference interval for rectal temperatures in dogs using an algorithm for mixed datasets yielded results comparable to the existing reference intervals. This demonstrates that the calculation of reference intervals from mixed datasets of clinical numerical data can be used to confirm existing reference intervals or establish such de novo.

Objective: To compare changes in oesophageal (T-Oeso) and rectal (T-Rec) temperature in dogs during general anaesthesia and premedicated with fentanyl, medetomidine-fentanyl or acepromazine-fentanyl., Study Design: Prospective, randomized, blind clinical study., Animals: A total of 120 healthy dogs, aged 2-10 years and weighing 5-20 kg., Methods: Dogs were randomly allocated to one of three groups. Animals of F group were premedicated with fentanyl (0.01 mg kg -1 ), MF group with medetomidine (0.005 mg kg -1 ) and fentanyl (0.01 mg kg -1 ) and AF group with acepromazine (0.01 mg kg -1 ) and fentanyl (0.01 mg kg -1 ). Anaesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with isoflurane in oxygen-air mixture. Fentanyl was administered continuously (0.01 mg kg -1 hour -1 ). The T-Oeso, T-Rec and ambient temperatures were recorded after induction (T0) and subsequently at 10 minute intervals for 60 minutes (T10-T60). Data were analysed using anova or their non-parametric equivalents (p < 0.05)., Results: Median T-Oeso was significantly higher in MF group between T0-T20 compared with other groups. Median T-Oeso significantly decreased in F group from 38.0 °C (T0) to 37.4 °C (T30), 37.1 °C (T40), 36.9 °C (T50) and 36.6 °C (T60), in MF group from 38.3 °C (T0) to 37.7 °C (T30), 37.5 °C (T40), 37.2 °C (T50) and 37.1 °C (T60) and in AF group from 37.7 °C (T0) to 37.3 °C (T40), 37.2 °C (T50) and 37.1 °C (T60). The T-Rec significantly decreased in F group from 38.0 °C (T0) to 37.4 °C (T40), 37.2 °C (T50) and 36.9 °C (T60), in MF group from 38.3 °C (T0) to 37.5 °C (T50) and 37.4 °C (T60) and in AF group from 38.2 °C (T0) to 37.6 °C (T40), 37.5 °C (T50) and 37.4 °C (T60)., Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Premedication with fentanyl, medetomidine-fentanyl or acepromazine-fentanyl in the doses used decreased the T-Oeso and T-Rec. The T-Oeso at the beginning of anaesthesia was higher after premedication with medetomidine-fentanyl. However, this difference was not clinically significant., (Copyright © 2024 Association of Veterinary Anaesthetists and American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rebecca Smith, Alicia Mastrocco, Jennifer Prittie, Joel Weltman Department of Emergency and Critical Care, Animal Medical Center, New York, NY, USACorrespondence: Rebecca Smith, Animal Medical Center, 510 E 62nd Street, New York, NY, 10065, Tel +1-908-246-7580, Email Rebecca.Smith@amcny.orgPurpose: To compare rectal and aural temperatures in canines presenting to a small animal emergency room.Patients and Methods: We performed a prospective cohort study conducted between June 2022 and October 2022. One hundred and fifty-two dogs were evaluated that were presented to a private practice emergency room. Temperatures were obtained on presentation using both an aural Braun ExacTemp and a rectal Vet-Temp Rapid Digital Thermometer. The order of temperature measurement was randomized and recorded. Dogs were classified into three groups based on recorded temperature; normothermic (n = 105), hypothermic (n = 24), and hyperthermic (n = 23). Additional recorded parameters included: patient signalment, heart rate, respiratory rate, presence or absence of aural debris, coat length (classified as short, medium or long), body weight, body condition score, pain score, as well as venous lactate and non-invasive blood pressure, if performed.Results: The overall aural temperatures were significantly lower than rectal temperatures. The average rectal and aural temperatures were 38.7°C (range 36.6– 40.7°C) and 38.3°C (range 35.7°C– 40.4°C), respectively. Among all canines, there was a moderate, statistically significant relationship between rectal and aural temperatures (r = 0.636; p < 0.001) and this relationship remained significant with a weaker relationship for normothermic dogs (r = 0.411; p < 0.001). For hyperthermic and hypothermic dogs, there was not a statistically significant relationship between rectal and aural temperatures. Hyperthermic dogs had a significantly higher respiratory rate than other groups and hypothermic dogs were more likely to have a short haircoat. Lastly, ambient temperature, but not humidity, influenced patient temperature.Conclusion: Our study found aural temperatures were consistently lower than rectal temperatures in dogs with both normal and abnormal rectal temperatures. Aural thermometry may not be an acceptable method of temperature measurement in the emergency patient cohort.Keywords: emergency, dogs, temperature, aural

IntroductionRectal temperature (RT) is the reference standard for clinical evaluation of body temperature in mammals. However, the use of a rectal thermometer to measure temperature can cause stress and other problems, especially in cats. There is a need for clinical techniques that reduce both stress and defensive behavior as part of the provision of better medical care. Subcutaneous temperature-sensing identification microchips fulfil the current legal requirements and provide a reading of subcutaneous temperature (MT).MethodsThe clinical study tried to determine whether there is agreement between MT and RT in normal (n = 58), hospitalized (n = 26) and sedated/anesthetized (n = 36) cats. Three measurements were taken using both methods (MT and RT) in each cat. Correlation between MT and RT, and differences between MT and RT, were estimated for pairs of data-points from the same individual, and all data pairs in each group were considered overall.ResultsThere was a strong positive correlation between MT and RT (r = 0.7 to 1.0) (p

This trial aimed to determine the effects of tryptophan (Trp) on the rectal temperature, hormone, humoral immunity, and cecal microflora composition in broiler chickens under heat stress (HS). One hundred and eighty 18 days-old female Arbor Acres broilers were randomly divided into three treatment groups, with six replicates of ten birds in each replicate. The broilers were either raised under thermoneutral conditions (TN, 23 ± 1°C) or subjected to heat stress (34 ± 1°C for 8 h daily). The TN group received a basal diet, and another two heat-stressed groups were fed the basal diet (HS) or the basal diet supplemented with 0.18% Trp (HS + 0.18% Trp) for 21 consecutive days. The basal diet contained 0.18% Trp. Results revealed that HS increased the rectal temperature, serum epinephrine (EPI), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) concentrations (p

Introduction: The recommended treatment for exertional heat stroke is immediate, whole-body immersion in < 10 °C water until rectal temperature (T re ) reaches ≤ 38.6 °C. However, real-time T re assessment is not always feasible or available in field settings or emergency situations. We defined and validated immersion durations for water temperatures of 2-26 °C for treating exertional heat stroke., Methods: We compiled data for 54 men and 18 women from 7 previous laboratory studies and derived immersion durations for reaching 38.6 °C T re . The resulting immersion durations were validated against the durations of cold-water immersion used to treat 162 (98 men; 64 women) exertional heat stroke cases at the Falmouth Road Race between 1984 and 2011., Results: Age, height, weight, body surface area, body fat, fat mass, lean body mass, and peak oxygen uptake were weakly associated with the cooling time to a safe T re of 38.6 °C during immersions to 2-26 °C water (R 2 range: 0.00-0.16). Using a specificity criterion of 0.9, receiver operating characteristics curve analysis showed that exertional heat stroke patients must be immersed for 11-12 min when water temperature is ≤ 9 °C, and for 18-19 min when water temperature is 10-26 °C (Cohen's Kappa: 0.32-0.75, p < 0.001; diagnostic odds ratio: 8.63-103.27)., Conclusion: The reported immersion durations are effective for > 90% of exertional heat stroke patients with pre-immersion T re of 39.5-42.8 °C. When available, real-time T re monitoring is the standard of care to accurately diagnose and treat exertional heat stroke, avoiding adverse health outcomes associated with under- or over-cooling, and for implementing cool-first transport second exertional heat stroke policies., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: This study aimed to compare rectal temperature (RT) with temperatures measured in the pinna, cornea, medial canthus, gingiva, metacarpal pad and axillary region of cats in a home environment., Animals Studied: Five healthy mixed-breed cats (two females and three males) owned by a veterinarian were used., Procedures: All temperature measurements were conducted by the owner by using an infrared camera in the same room and initiated with the pinna, followed by the cornea, medial canthus, gingiva and metacarpal pad. Subsequently, axillary temperature (AT) and RT were recorded by a digital thermometer, respectively. The time taken for a single AT and RT measurements was recorded., Results: The average measurement time for RT was 17.34 ± 0.89 s, with a range of 8-32 s, whereas AT measurements took an average of 46.72 ± 1.16 s, with a range of 29-69 s. AT emerged as a superior alternative measurement site compared to others, exhibiting the lowest bias and the highest proportion of readings within the limits of clinical agreement. The mean difference between RT and AT, with 95% limits of agreement for the differences, was -0.26 (-1.13 to 0.61)., Conclusions: Anatomical regions were not all interchangeable with the rectum for assessing body temperature (BT), with AT recording the highest level of agreement with RT. When RT is not possible, AT could be considered as an alternative for monitoring BT in clinically healthy cats that live in a home environment., (© 2024 The Authors. Veterinary Medicine and Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Avoiding rectal thermometry is recommended in patients with neutropenic fever. Permeability of the anal mucosa may result in a higher risk of bacteremia in these patients. Still, this recommendation is based on only a few studies. Methods: This retrospective study included all individuals admitted to our emergency department during 2014–2017 with afebrile (body temperature

ObjectivesManaging body temperature during MRI scanning under general anesthesia poses challenges for both human and veterinary patients, as many temperature monitoring devices and patient warming systems are unsuitable for the use inside an MRI scanner. MRI has the potential to cause tissue and body warming, but this effect may be counteracted by the hypothermia induced by general anesthesia and the low ambient temperature usually encountered in scanner rooms. This study aimed to observe temperature variations in dogs undergoing MRI under general anesthesia.Materials and methodsIn this prospective observational study, client-owned dogs scheduled for 3-Tesla MRI under anesthesia between February and October 2020 at a veterinary teaching hospital were eligible for enrollment. Recorded data included breed, body mass, body condition score, age, fur quality, pre- and post-MRI rectal temperatures, time in the MRI room, scan area and coil used, application of contrast medium, choice of anesthetic agents, use of blankets, and infusion therapy. Group comparisons were conducted using the Mann–Whitney U-test or Kruskal-Wallis test, with p

Surface temperature recording has shown promise in older pigs and in piglets but only under controlled conditions. The aim of this experiment was to compare surface temperatures using an infrared thermal camera (pointer), verified by the maximum temperature from the thermal images extracted by an algorithm (MATLAB®R2020), at the base, tip of ear, or eye, with rectal temperature under production conditions. The influence of bodyweight (BWC1; ≤0.80 kg, BWC2; 0.81 kg to 1.10 kg and BWC3; >1.10 kg), time post-partum (0 and 24 h) and colostrum intake (CI1; <200 g and CI2, ≥200 g) were investigated. Ear tip pointer temperatures showed low correlations with rectal temperature (r < 0.39; P = 0.20). Both the ear base and eye had moderate correlations (r = 0.53 and 0.55, respectively; P < 0.001 for both) to rectal temperature, and high correlations between pointer and extracted values (r = 0.73 and 0.82, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). At birth, eye temperatures had a moderate correlation with rectal temperature. The extracted eye, but not rectal or ear base, temperatures were higher (P = 0.01) in piglets consuming greater amounts of colostrum. In contrast to research settings, production conditions are highly variable and increase the inaccuracy of the surface temperature recordings. Therefore, overall, surface temperatures were not appropriate for commercial application in neonatal piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to investigate the response to physical exercise of some ocular physiological variables (ocular temperature and intraocular pressure) in horses performing a jumping course in the morning (a.m.) or in the afternoon hours (p.m.), before and after the exercise, in correlation with the rectal temperature. Data collection was carried out on 14 clinical healthy Italian saddle horses. All horses were trained from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. and from 19:00 to 20:00 p.m. according to a specific training program. Ocular temperature (OT), rectal temperature (RT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were determined. Statistical analysis showed no differences between the results for the left and the right eyes. The application of two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant effect of time (before vs. after) on IOP (p = 0.0001). RT and OT were statistically influenced by time of day and by experimental conditions (a.m. vs. p.m.) (p = 0.0001). Bland–Altman (B-A) testing showed an agreement between the values of RT and OT. Our results showed a correlation between increased body temperatures and IOP variations during exercise, so they can probably be considered indicators of athletic horses’ physical fitness during exercise.

The use of infrared cameras to record surface temperature has shown some promise in older pigs, but neonatal piglets are metabolically less mature and experience rapid temperature changes during their first 24 h. The present experiment aimed to compare rectal temperature to surface temperature at the base of the ear, measured using an infrared camera, for piglets of different birth weights. During farrowing, 48 multiparous sows were monitored, and rectal and surface temperatures were recorded for their lower-birth-weight (≤1.2 kg) piglets within 3 min of birth and at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.50, 2, 3, 4, and 24 h. Piglet birth weights were assigned to one of three categories (BWC): BWC1 (≤0.80 kg), BWC2 (0.81 to 1.10 kg), or BWC3 (1.11 to 1.20 kg). Piglet rectal temperatures at 1.25 h after birth were assigned to one of three categories: RC1 (≤32.0 °C), RC2 (32.1 to 35.0 °C), or RC3 (≥35.1 °C). Surface temperatures showed a similar recovery pattern to rectal temperatures in the first 24 h across all piglet birth weights, although large and variable differences seen in the current study militate against surface temperature being an appropriate replacement for neonatal rectal temperature for use in production.