A nonsurgical method allowing continuous core temperature monitoring in mares for extended periods, including during endurance exercise.

This research article discusses the development of a non-surgical method to continuously monitor the core temperature of horses during extended periods of exercise. This new approach uses temperature loggers inserted through the cervix into the uterus of mares, allowing a prolonged, uninterrupted examination of their internal temperatures during athletic training and competition.

Objective and Methods

• The main aim of the research was to create a non-invasive technique that would help record and examine the internal temperatures of horses over an extended period of exercise, as this could prove valuable in understanding how horses react to the thermal challenges posed by physical exertion and varying environments.
• The researchers used temperature loggers which were inserted transcervically, i.e., through the cervix, into the uterus of the mares. A total of nine mares were used for the study, with the loggers implanted for a varied range of time spanning three days to six weeks.

Procedures and Performance

• The temperature was monitored and recorded while the horses underwent their regular training and competition schedules.
• To validate the effectiveness of the logger, its data was compared against the deep rectal temperatures of the horses over a range of fluctuating internal temperatures and alternating periods of exercise and rest.

Results and Conclusion

• The procedure proved to be both uncomplicated and accurate, with no observed negative impacts on the mares.
• Excluding one instance where a mare expelled the logger during her oestrus cycle, all mares retained the device until it was manually removed.
• The deep rectal temperatures and intrauterine temperatures were found to be highly correlated, increasing during exercise and decreasing as the horses were subjected to aggressive cooling after exercise.
• The researchers concluded that this technique provides a non-surgical, effective method for long-term monitoring of a mare’s internal temperature, including during athletic competitions.
• This development paves the way for more comprehensive studies regarding core temperatures during prolonged exercise, under different environmental conditions, and permits comparison among different cool-down techniques post-exercise.