title: Effect of warm compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To measure the effect of warm compress application on tissue temperature in healthy dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  10 healthy mixed-breed dogs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Dogs were sedated with hydromorphone (0.1 mg/kg, IV) and diazepam (0.25 mg/kg, IV). Three 24-gauge thermocouple needles were inserted to a depth of 0.5 cm (superficial), 1.0 cm (middle), and 1.5 cm (deep) into a shaved, lumbar, epaxial region to measure tissue temperature. Warm (47°C) compresses were applied with gravity dependence for periods of 5, 10, and 20 minutes. Tissue temperature was recorded before compress application and at intervals for up to 80 minutes after application. Control data were collected while dogs received identical sedation but with no warm compress.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean temperature associated with 5 minutes of heat application at the superficial, middle, and deep depths was significantly increased, compared with the control temperature. Application for 10 minutes significantly increased the temperature at all depths, compared with 5 minutes of application. Mean temperature associated with 20 minutes of application was not different at the superficial or middle depths, compared with 10 minutes of application. Temperature at the deep depth associated with 10 minutes of application was significantly higher, compared with 20 minutes of application, but all temperature increases at this depth were minimal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggested that application of a warm compress should be performed for 10 minutes. Changes in temperature at a tissue depth of 1.5 cm were minimal or not detected. The optimal compress temperature to achieve therapeutic benefits was not determined.
authors: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Manhattan, KS 66506, USA. rmdvm@hotmail.com
authors: Ralph P
authors: RP
authors: Millard
authors: Heather A
authors: HA
authors: Towle-Millard
authors: David C
authors: DC
authors: Rankin
authors: James K
authors: JK
authors: Roush
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001458:Bandages; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology*; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006361:Heating; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male