Measurement of body temperature in 300 dogs with a novel noncontact infrared thermometer on the cornea in comparison to a standard rectal digital thermometer

Abstract

There was poor agreement between body temperatures obtained by RDT and NCIT. The corneal NCIT measurement tends to underrecognize hypothermic and hyperthermic conditions. Although the use of the NCIT yields faster results and is significantly more comfortable for the dog than the RDT measurement, it cannot be recommended in dogs at this time.

The use of thermometer protective sheets provides reliable measurement of rectal temperature: a prospective study in 500 dogs

“…, Goic et al . , Kreissl & Neiger ) and should not be used as a substitute for rectal temperature measurement.…”

“…Moreover, 100% of respondents using non-contact infrared evaluated the accuracy of this method as excellent or good/ fair. All of these methods are demonstrated as unreliable in dogs (Gonzalez et al 2002, Greer et al 2007, Goic et al 2014, Kreissl & Neiger 2015 and should not be used as a substitute for rectal temperature measurement.…”

“…, Goic et al . , Kreissl & Neiger ). However, concerns with rectal thermometry exist, primarily about contamination of the thermometer with distal intestinal flora and subsequent risk of transmission of nosocomial agents, such as Salmonella (Im et al .…”

“…On the other hand, most clinicians measure rectal temperature, because it is simple, safe and reliable (Southward et al 2006, Greer et al 2007. The accuracy and precision of rectal temperature measurements in dogs exceed other clinical methods (auricular and axillary temperature, non-contact infrared thermometers and subcutaneous temperature-sensing microchip) (Gonzalez et al 2002, Greer et al 2007, Goic et al 2014, Kreissl & Neiger 2015. However, concerns with rectal thermometry exist, primarily about contamination of the thermometer with distal intestinal flora and subsequent risk of transmission of nosocomial agents, such as Salmonella (Im et al 1981) or antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from the rectal microbiome, especially in sick or immunocompromised dogs.…”

Comparing alternatives to canine rectal thermometry at the axillary, auricular and ocular locations

“…The temperature at the hypothalamus is also a desired location to monitor, as this region is where body temperature is perceived (Cichocki et al, 2017). However, clinically, the most conventional method of taking a canine's temperature is through the rectal mucosa, as it continues to be a minimally invasive method that provides insight to core temperature (Kreissl and Neiger, 2015). Rectal thermometers have drawbacks, as they cannot be easily used on aggressive canids or ones with an infection or rupture of the anal mucosa (Kreissl and Neiger, 2015).…”