M J Myers1, M Henderson. 1. Animal Biology Branch, Center for Veterinary Medicine, FDA, Beltsville, MD 20705, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with 2 commercially available devices with rectal temperature readings obtained with a standard mercury thermometer in dairy cattle, dairy calves, and swine. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 6 Holstein calves (approx 6 months old), 6 Holstein cattle (approx 4 years old), and 5 Landrace-Poland China swine. PROCEDURE: Tympanic membrane temperatures were measured, and results were compared with rectal temperatures obtained with a standard mercury thermometer. Tympanic membrane temperatures were obtained before and after insertion of the rectal thermometer. Temperature readings in swine were obtained following passive restraint in a cage-like device or restraint using a snare to assess the effect of stress on tympanic membrane temperature. RESULTS: Tympanic membrane temperature readings from both devices were lower than those obtained using a rectal thermometer for all animals. Repeated measurement of tympanic membrane temperature of individual cattle resulted in consistent readings for both devices. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because all animals were visibly healthy, results suggest that tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with either device may be an adequate assessment of health status.
OBJECTIVE: To compare tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with 2 commercially available devices with rectal temperature readings obtained with a standard mercury thermometer in dairy cattle, dairy calves, and swine. DESIGN: Clinical trial. ANIMALS: 6 Holstein calves (approx 6 months old), 6 Holstein cattle (approx 4 years old), and 5 Landrace-Poland China swine. PROCEDURE: Tympanic membrane temperatures were measured, and results were compared with rectal temperatures obtained with a standard mercury thermometer. Tympanic membrane temperatures were obtained before and after insertion of the rectal thermometer. Temperature readings in swine were obtained following passive restraint in a cage-like device or restraint using a snare to assess the effect of stress on tympanic membrane temperature. RESULTS: Tympanic membrane temperature readings from both devices were lower than those obtained using a rectal thermometer for all animals. Repeated measurement of tympanic membrane temperature of individual cattle resulted in consistent readings for both devices. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Because all animals were visibly healthy, results suggest that tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained with either device may be an adequate assessment of health status.