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. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 1996;207:1700-1701)
