Comparison of temperature readings from a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer in equids.
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.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
52 Welsh pony foals that were 6 to 10 months old and 30 Quarter Horses that were 2 years old.


METHODS
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
The thermal sensor appeared to have potential use for initial screening of body temperature in equids at ambient temperatures > 15.6 degrees C.
Robinson
Tatiana R
TR
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
Hussey
Stephen B
SB
Hill
Ashley E
AE
Heckendorf
Carl C
CC
Stricklin
Joe B
JB
Traub-Dargatz
Josie L
JL
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D046208:Microchip Analytical Procedures / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012007:Rectum; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012621:Seasons; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013821:Thermometers / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary*; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000295:instrumentation*