Rectal temperature is a prognostic indicator in client‐owned guinea pigs

Abstract

To determine whether rectal temperature was associated with patient mortality in clientowned guinea pigs upon presentation to a veterinary hospital. Materials and MethOds:The medical record database at a veterinary teaching hospital was searched for records of guinea pigs from January 2016 through June 2019. Guinea pigs were included in the study if a rectal temperature was measured at presentation and there was data on survival status 7 days postpresentation. If survivor status was not documented in the medical record, follow-up information was obtained from the client via telephone or email. The data was ultimately collected from 201 clientowned guinea pigs who presented for 388 independent examinations. Univariable, multivariable and sensitivity analyses were performed.results: Guinea pigs with hypothermia (<37.9°C) at presentation had a relative risk of mortality within 7 days of presentation almost 3 times greater than guinea pigs without hypothermia (relative risk: 2.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 4.48). For each 0.55°C decrease in rectal temperature, the odds of death increased 1.6 times (odds ratio: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.42 to 2.89).Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the finding. clinical significance: Rectal temperature was a predictor of death for guinea pigs presenting for care at a veterinary hospital. Obtaining a rectal temperature recording should be considered for patient guinea pigs.

Retrospective analysis of risk factors, clinical features, and prognostic indicators for urolithiasis in guinea pigs: 158 cases (2009–2019)

“…As predicted, rectal temperature at presentation was an important prognostic indicator as normothermia (37.2 to 39.5 °C) 7 was shown to be protective in this study. A recent study 21 similarly showed that decreased rectal temperature on presentation in guinea pigs was correlated with nonsurvival, with each 0.55 °C decrease in rectal temperature from 37.9 °C increasing the odds of death 1.6 times. 21 Hypothermia as a poor prognostic indicator is also well documented in rabbits, whereby for each 1 °C less than 38 °C, the odds of death double.…”

“…A recent study 21 similarly showed that decreased rectal temperature on presentation in guinea pigs was correlated with nonsurvival, with each 0.55 °C decrease in rectal temperature from 37.9 °C increasing the odds of death 1.6 times. 21 Hypothermia as a poor prognostic indicator is also well documented in rabbits, whereby for each 1 °C less than 38 °C, the odds of death double. 22 The present study showed similar morbidity findings; no patient presenting with a rectal temperature ≤ 37.9 °C or below was in the survivor group.…”