Noncontact infrared thermometer measurements offer a reasonable alternative to rectal temperature measurement in afebrile horses.

The research outlines the potential use of infrared thermometers as an alternative to rectal temperature measurements in horses, highlighting the notable correlation between temperatures recorded at the perineum and eye using an infrared thermometer and those acquired rectally.

Study Design and Methodology

• The study involved 101 healthy, afebrile (non-feverish) horses who were at least one year old.
• Digital rectal temperature and infrared temperatures taken from various locations including the eye, gingiva, neck, axilla, and perineum were collected.
• Measurements were taken in different environments: a controlled climate and two outdoor settings with varying ambient temperatures.
• The study continued from November 1, 2021, to April 30, 2023, to ensure diverse weather conditions were incorporated.

Results

• Infrared thermometer measurements were well tolerated by horses and even accepted by those who showed resistance to rectal temperature measurements.
• There was a significant correlation found between the rectal temperature and the infrared temperature taken at the perineum and the eye with correlation coefficients (R) of 0.57 and 0.37 respectively, both statistically significant with P < .001.
• These infrared temperature measurements were highly repeatable, allowing for the calculation of reference ranges for the perineum and eye in climate-controlled conditions.
• There was increased variance in outdoor temperatures compared to the climate-controlled conditions for the eye, gingiva, and perineum, suggesting that the surrounding environment has an impact on the readings.

Conclusions

• Although the temperatures recorded with the infrared thermometer and the rectal thermometer were not numerically the same, the correlational data reflects a reasonable level of similarity, especially in the case of the perineum and the eye.
• The consistency in the infrared readings allows for the creation of reference ranges that could make the infrared thermometer a practical alternative for vets dealing with uncooperative horses.
• This method was dependable outdoors for the eye, but not the perineum.
• The research suggests further refinement of the infrared temperature reference ranges in febrile horses and during warmer ambient temperatures is necessary.