Comparison of temperature readings from a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer in equids.
Abstract: 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 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.
Publication Date: 2008-08-20 PubMed ID: 18710319DOI: 10.2460/javma.233.4.613Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
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The research article presents a study comparing the effectiveness of an implantable percutaneous thermal sensing microchip and a digital rectal thermometer in reading equids (horse-family) temperature. It also considers factors affecting the readings and evaluates the sensitivity and specificity of the microchip for detecting fever.
Research Methodology
- The research is a prospective study, meaning the researchers observed a sample over time to accumulate data.
- The study comprised 82 participants split into three groups, made up of Welsh pony foals aged 6 to 10 months (52 participants) and 2-year-old Quarter horses (30 participants).
- The researchers collected data across three seasons – summer, winter, and fall – corresponding with each of the groups.
- Both the digital rectal thermometer and the thermal sensing microchip’s readings were recorded daily for varying periods. These depended on the group, expanding 17, 23, and 19 days respectively.
- The effects of both ambient and rectal temperature on the thermal sensor readings were then estimated.
Results
- The average ambient temperatures varied by group and season, being highest in summer (29.0 degrees C, Group 1), lowest in winter (-2.7 degrees C, Group 2), and intermediate in fall (10.4 degrees C, Group 3).
- The thermal sensor readings proved sensitive both to ambient temperature and rectal temperature. Rectal temperatures ranged between 36.2 and 41.7 degrees C, whereas thermal sensor readings ranged between 23.9 and 42.2 degrees C.
- The microchip sensitivity for fever detection achieved varying results across groups, recording 87.4%, 53.3%, and 58.3%. Hence, the thermal sensing microchip’s performance differed according to seasonal temperatures.
Conclusion
- The research concludes that the thermal sensing microchip shows promise as an initial screening tool for body temperature in equids, especially when ambient temperature is above 15.6 degrees C. This could offer a non-invasive and manageable method to monitor health in equids, reducing the need for digital rectal temperature measurement.
Cite This Article
APA
Robinson TR, Hussey SB, Hill AE, Heckendorf CC, Stricklin JB, Traub-Dargatz JL.
(2008).
Comparison of temperature readings from a percutaneous thermal sensing microchip with temperature readings from a digital rectal thermometer in equids.
J Am Vet Med Assoc, 233(4), 613-617.
https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.233.4.613 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Body Temperature / physiology
- Female
- Fever / diagnosis
- Fever / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Male
- Microchip Analytical Procedures / standards
- Microchip Analytical Procedures / veterinary
- Prospective Studies
- Rectum
- Reproducibility of Results
- Seasons
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Thermometers / standards
- Thermometers / veterinary
- Veterinary Medicine / instrumentation
Citations
This article has been cited 7 times.- Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Sole-Guitart A, Narayan E, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Gaughan JB. Heat stress in horses: a literature review. Int J Biometeorol 2023 Jun;67(6):957-973.
- Verdegaal EJMM, Howarth GS, McWhorter TJ, Delesalle CJG. Is Continuous Monitoring of Skin Surface Temperature a Reliable Proxy to Assess the Thermoregulatory Response in Endurance Horses During Field Exercise?. Front Vet Sci 2022;9:894146.
- Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Skinner JE, Gaughan JB, Mellor VA, Sole-Guitart A. The Use of Percutaneous Thermal Sensing Microchips to Measure Body Temperature in Horses during and after Exercise Using Three Different Cool-Down Methods. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 14;12(10).
- Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Woldeyohannes SM, Gaughan JB, Sole Guitart A. The Use of Percutaneous Thermal Sensing Microchips for Body Temperature Measurements in Horses Prior to, during and after Treadmill Exercise. Animals (Basel) 2020 Dec 2;10(12).
- Jara AL, Hanson JM, Gabbard JD, Johnson SK, Register ET, He B, Tompkins SM. Comparison of Microchip Transponder and Noncontact Infrared Thermometry with Rectal Thermometry in Domestic Swine (Sus scrofa domestica). J Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 2016;55(5):588-93.
- Nowak AC, Macho-Maschler S, Biermann NM, Palme R, Dengler F. Investigating the interplay of stressors and health in horses through fecal cortisol metabolite analysis. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1545577.
- Verdegaal EJMM, Howarth GS, McWhorter TJ, Delesalle CJG. Thermoregulation during Field Exercise in Horses Using Skin Temperature Monitoring. Animals (Basel) 2023 Dec 30;14(1).
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