title: Comparison of axillary, tympanic membrane and rectal temperature measurement in cats.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Rectal temperature (RT) is routinely used to assess body temperature in cats but has limitations and can be poorly tolerated. Axillary temperature (AT) and tympanic membrane temperature (TMT) are reported alternatives. This study aimed to determine the differences between RT and AT, and between RT and TMT in cats. Additional aims were to examine the effect of environmental and patient factors on these differences and to assess patient tolerance to each technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  AT, TMT and RT were measured in immediate succession. Measurement order was randomised, as was the choice of left or right axilla and tympanic membrane. A digital thermometer and a veterinary infrared ear thermometer were used. The subjective tolerance of each procedure was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and fifty cats were included. Significantly more conscious cats were tolerant of AT (90.6%) than TMT (81.2%) and RT (53.0%). The rectal-axillary temperature difference ranged from -1.2°C to 1.4°C (median 0.1°C) and was within ± 0.5°C in 78.0% of cats. On multivariable analysis the difference was larger in overweight cats, neutered cats, cats in which the right axilla was used and as the RT increased. The rectal-tympanic membrane temperature difference ranged from -1.6°C to 3°C (median -0.3°C) and was within ± 0.5°C in 51.3% of cats, significantly fewer than for AT (P <0.001). The rectal-tympanic membrane temperature difference increased as the RT increased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  TMT and AT should not be used interchangeably with RT in cats. When RT measurement is not possible, AT is recommended over TMT as it is better tolerated and significantly fewer cats had clinically unacceptable differences (>0.5°C). AT may more closely reflect RT in normal or underweight cats than it does in overweight cats.
authors.affiliation: Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK v.smith.1@research.gla.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Victoria A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.affiliation: Southern Counties Veterinary Specialists, Hangersley, UK.
authors.forename: Valerie
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Lamb
authors.affiliation: Small Animal Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Alix R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: McBrearty
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001365:Axilla / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012007:Rectum / Q000502:physiology*; D013821:Thermometers / Q000662:veterinary*; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000502:physiology*