Measurement of body temperature by use of auricular thermometers versus rectal thermometers in dogs with otitis externa.
OBJECTIVE
To compare measurements of body temperature obtained with auricular thermometers versus rectal thermometers in dogs with otitis externa.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
100 client-owned dogs: 50 with and 50 without clinical evidence of otitis externa.


METHODS
Dogs were evaluated for the presence of otitis externa on the basis of clinical signs, otoscopic examination, and cytologic evaluation of ear exudate. Auricular and rectal temperatures were obtained simultaneously in all dogs prior to and following ear examination.


RESULTS
There was a high correlation between auricular and rectal temperatures in dogs with otitis externa both prior to and after ear manipulation. Significant differences were not detected in temperature measurements among dogs with different degrees of otitis externa.


CONCLUSIONS
Auricular temperature readings obtained by use of an auricular thermometer in dogs with otitis externa are accurate measurements of body temperature, compared with rectal temperature measurements. Temperature measurements are reliable before and after examination of the ear canal.
González
A Michelle
AM
Veterinary Centers of America, Westerville East Animal Hospital, OH 43081, USA.
Mann
F A
FA
Preziosi
Diane E
DE
Meadows
Richard L
RL
Wagner-Mann
Colette C
CC
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000378:metabolism*; D004285:Dogs; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000378:metabolism*; D010032:Otitis Externa / Q000378:metabolism / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012007:Rectum / Q000378:metabolism*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013821:Thermometers / Q000662:veterinary*