Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Comparison of temperature readings from a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer in equids.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 2008
- Authors:
- Robinson, Tatiana R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how well a special microchip that measures temperature compared to a traditional digital rectal thermometer in horses. They tested 52 young Welsh pony foals and 30 two-year-old Quarter Horses over different seasons. The researchers found that the microchip's temperature readings changed based on the surrounding temperature and the horse's actual body temperature. While the microchip was fairly good at detecting fever when it was warm outside, its accuracy dropped in cooler conditions. Overall, the microchip showed promise for checking horse temperatures, especially in warmer weather.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare temperature readings from an implantable percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer, to identify factors that affect microchip readings, and to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of the microchip for fever detection. DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 52 Welsh pony foals that were 6 to 10 months old and 30 Quarter Horses that were 2 years old. PROCEDURES: Data were collected in summer, winter, and fall in groups 1 (n = 23 ponies), 2 (29 ponies), and 3 (30 Quarter Horses), respectively. Temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer and a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip as well as ambient temperature were recorded daily for 17, 23, and 19 days in groups 1 through 3, respectively. Effects of ambient temperature and rectal temperature on thermal sensor readings were estimated. Sensitivity and specificity of the thermal sensor for detection of fever (rectal temperature, >or= 38.9 degrees C [102 degrees F]) were estimated separately for data collection at ambient temperatures <or= 15.6 degrees C (60 degrees F) and > 15.6 degrees C. RESULTS: Mean ambient temperatures were 29.0 degrees C (84.2 degrees F), -2.7 degrees C (27.1 degrees F), and 10.4 degrees C (50.8 degrees F) for groups 1 through 3, respectively. Thermal sensor readings varied with ambient temperature and rectal temperature. Rectal temperatures ranged from 36.2 degrees to 41.7 degrees C (97.2 degrees to 107 degrees F), whereas thermal sensor temperature readings ranged from 23.9 degrees (75 degrees F) to 42.2 degrees C (75 degrees to 108 degrees F). Sensitivity for fever detection was 87.4%, 53.3%, and 58.3% in groups 1 to 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The thermal sensor appeared to have potential use for initial screening of body temperature in equids at ambient temperatures > 15.6 degrees C.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18710319/