Comparison of rectal and vaginal temperature daily rhythm in dogs (Canis familiaris) under different photoperiod

Abstract

To investigate the daily rhythm of rectal and vaginal temperature, we used six mongrel dogs with a mean body weight of 15±3 kg, aged between 2 and 3 years old. Rectal and vaginal temperatures were recorded every 3 h over 48-h period during three different lighting regimes: natural light/dark (L/D) cycle (sunrise 06:25, sunset 17:05), constant light (L/L) and constant darkness (D/D). A daily rhythm of rectal temperature was observed in both days of monitoring in all experimental conditions. Vaginal temperature showed a daily rhythmicity in L/D and D/D cycle. During the L/L cycle, daily rhythm was disrupted. Rhythmic parameters (MESOR, amplitude, acrophase and robustness) did not change between the different photoperiod and the site of temperature collection. In conclusion, the monitoring of vaginal temperature can be considered a valid alternative to the monitoring of body temperature as well as rectal temperature under natural lighting conditions in canine medicine.

Comparison between rectal and body surface temperature in dogs by the calibrated infrared thermometer

“…( Gomart et al., 2014 ) showed that the RT compared to axillar or auricular temperature measurement provoked more extensive animal defensive behaviour, which can affect various physiological variables like blood pressure and pulse rate ( Bragg et al., 2015 ). Furthermore, the rhythmicity of body temperature is an important physiological process, which depends on body size ( Piccione et al., 2009 ) and location ( Giannetto et al., 2015 ). Ideally, an alternative temperature measurement approach should be accurate but less stressful ( Sousa, 2016 ).…”