ABSTRACT: This study investigated the accuracy of two animal specific non¬contact infrared thermometers (Rycom and Thermofocus) when compared to rectal temperature in healthy horses. One hundred rectal and eye temperatures were measured in 22 horses. Fewer than 50% of the readings taken with the Thermofocus device were within ±0.5°C of rectal temperature. Over 80% of eye temperature readings taken with the Rycom device were within ± 0.5°C of rectal temperature measured from the medial canthus region. The Rycom thermometer also appears to detect hyperthermia when measuring the left eye temperature; however, clinical patient testing is needed before its use can be recommended.

Author(s)

Anne J. Carter BSc (Hons) MSc PhD FHEA MRSB

Anne has a PhD in canine behaviour and welfare. She continues to research in the field of canine behaviour; welfare and the canine athlete at Nottingham Trent University. Anne course leads the BSc Animal Biology at Nottingham Trent University, in addition to teaching on Anthrozoology and Animal Health & Welfare Masters courses.

Email: Anne.Carter@ntu.ac.uk

Aleksandra Dimitrova BSc (Hons)

Aleks completed her BSc in Equine Sports Science at Nottingham Trent University including a placement year at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky, which inspired her to continue working with horses in the veterinary industry. Aleks now works as a veterinary technician at The Newmarket Equine Hospital.

Emily J. Hall MA VetMB PGCAP FHEA MRSB MRCVS

Emily qualified as a veterinary surgeon in 2007 and has worked in small animal fir
st-opinion practice ever since. Emily now course leads the BSc (top-up) in Veterinary Nursing Science and teaches veterinary nursing students on both the FdSc and BSc courses at Nottingham Trent University Emily continues to work in small animal first opinion practice at weekends.

Keywords: Infrared thermometer; body temperature; non-contact thermometer; equine

To cite this article: Veterinary Nursing Journal • VOL 34 (04) • April 2019 pp96-101

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