Effects of a whole-body spandex garment on rectal temperature and oxygen consumption in healthy dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a full-body spandex garment would alter rectal temperatures of healthy dogs at rest in cool and warm environments.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
10 healthy dogs.


METHODS
Each dog was evaluated at a low (20 degrees to 25 degrees C [68 degrees to 77 degrees F]) or high (30 degrees to 35 degrees C [86 degrees to 95 degrees F]) ambient temperature while wearing or not wearing a commercially available whole-body spandex garment designed for dogs. Oxygen consumption was measured by placing dogs in a flow-through indirect calorimeter for 90 to 120 minutes. Rectal temperature was measured before dogs were placed in the calorimeter and after they were removed.


RESULTS
Rectal temperature increased significantly more at the higher ambient temperature than at the lower temperature and when dogs were not wearing the garment than when they were wearing it. The specific rate of oxygen consumption was significantly higher at the lower ambient temperature than at the higher temperature.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that wearing a snug spandex body garment does not increase the possibility that dogs will overheat while in moderate ambient temperatures. Instead, wearing such a garment may enable dogs to better maintain body temperature during moderate heat loading. These results suggest that such garments might be used for purposes such as wound or suture protection without causing dogs to overheat.
Reimer
S Brent
SB
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Schulz
Kurt S
KS
Mason
David R
DR
Jones
James H
JH
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect / Q000662:veterinary; D003020:Clothing / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D010101:Oxygen Consumption / Q000502:physiology*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000009:adverse effects; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011897:Random Allocation; D012007:Rectum; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D011140:Polyurethanes