OBJECTIVE: To compare rectal versus axillary temperatures in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 94 dogs and 31 cats. PROCEDURES: Paired axillary and rectal temperatures were measured in random order with a standardized method. Animal signalment, initial complaint, blood pressure, blood lactate concentration, and variables associated with vascular perfusion and coat were evaluated for associations with axillary and rectal temperatures. RESULTS: Axillary temperature was positively correlated with rectal temperature (ρ = 0.75 in both species). Median axillary temperature (38.4°C [101.1°F] in dogs, and 38.4°C [101.2°F] in cats) was significantly different from median rectal temperature in dogs (38.9°C [102.0°F]) but not in cats (38.6°C [101.5°F]). Median rectal-axillary gradient (difference) was 0.4°C (0.7°F; range, -1.3° to 2.3°C [-2.4° to 4.1°F]) in dogs and 0.17°C (0.3°F; range -1.1° to 1.6°C [-1.9° to 3°F]) in cats. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of hyperthermia with axillary temperature were 57% and 100%, respectively, in dogs and 33% and 100%, respectively, in cats; sensitivity and specificity for detection of hypothermia were 86% and 87%, respectively, in dogs and 80% and 96%, respectively, in cats. Body weight (ρ = 0.514) and body condition score (ρ = 0.431) were correlated with rectal-axillary gradient in cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although axillary and rectal temperatures were correlated in dogs and cats, a large gradient was present between rectal temperature and axillary temperature, suggesting that axillary temperature should not be used as a substitute for rectal temperature.
OBJECTIVE: To compare rectal versus axillary temperatures in dogs and cats. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. ANIMALS: 94 dogs and 31 cats. PROCEDURES: Paired axillary and rectal temperatures were measured in random order with a standardized method. Animal signalment, initial complaint, blood pressure, blood lactate concentration, and variables associated with vascular perfusion and coat were evaluated for associations with axillary and rectal temperatures. RESULTS: Axillary temperature was positively correlated with rectal temperature (ρ = 0.75 in both species). Median axillary temperature (38.4°C [101.1°F] in dogs, and 38.4°C [101.2°F] in cats) was significantly different from median rectal temperature in dogs (38.9°C [102.0°F]) but not in cats (38.6°C [101.5°F]). Median rectal-axillary gradient (difference) was 0.4°C (0.7°F; range, -1.3° to 2.3°C [-2.4° to 4.1°F]) in dogs and 0.17°C (0.3°F; range -1.1° to 1.6°C [-1.9° to 3°F]) in cats. Sensitivity and specificity for detection of hyperthermia with axillary temperature were 57% and 100%, respectively, in dogs and 33% and 100%, respectively, in cats; sensitivity and specificity for detection of hypothermia were 86% and 87%, respectively, in dogs and 80% and 96%, respectively, in cats. Body weight (ρ = 0.514) and body condition score (ρ = 0.431) were correlated with rectal-axillary gradient in cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although axillary and rectal temperatures were correlated in dogs and cats, a large gradient was present between rectal temperature and axillary temperature, suggesting that axillary temperature should not be used as a substitute for rectal temperature.
Authors: Lucas Tirloni; Tae K Kim; Antônio F M Pinto; John R Yates; Itabajara da Silva Vaz; Albert Mulenga Journal: Front Cell Infect Microbiol Date: 2017-12-19 Impact factor: 5.293
Authors: Laura Barral Veloso; Flávia de Oliveira Cardoso; Karen Dos Santos Charret; Matheus Pereira de Sá Silva; Luzia Monteiro de Castro Côrtes; Kátia da Silva Calabrese; Franklin Souza da Silva; Joel Fontes de Sousa; Marília Fonseca Rocha; Carlos Roberto Alves Journal: Biomed Res Int Date: 2020-06-24 Impact factor: 3.411