Use of the portable infrared thermometer as a means of measuring limb surface temperature in the horse.

The research study evaluates the use of portable infrared thermometers for tracking limb surface temperature in horses. It experiments on standing and anesthetized horses and evaluates the significance of skin pigment on temperature readings.

Research Methodology

• The study included three horses which were first evaluated while standing in a stall and later laid down under the influence of general anesthesia. These two positions allowed the researchers to compare surface temperature readings in different states of physical activity.
• The experiment also took into account the effect of skin color on temperature readings. To evaluate this hypothesis, black and white targets were used under varying clinical conditions.

Key Findings

• The study found a degree of consistency in thermal gradient measurements collected along the extremities of the horses. This indicated that the positioning of the thermometer didn’t significantly affect the readings.
• The researchers discovered that the limb surface temperatures were always lower than the rectal temperature but higher than the ambient temperature. These readings provided a reliable range in which limb surface temperatures are expected to be with respect to rectal and ambient thermometer readings.
• Data collected from generating horses under anesthesia recorded higher temperature readings than the horses that were standing in stalls. This finding indicates that physical states can affect the surface temperature readings.
• The standard deviation of temperature measurements under anesthesia was +/- 0.1 C, and those made in standing horses was +/- 0.2 C. The researchers suggest that the deviation of +/- 0.2 C is more acceptable for practical use.
• The impact of skin pigment on temperature readings was insignificant when the infrared thermometer was used indoors and away from direct sunlight. This finding verifies that variations in skin color does not significantly affect temperature readings.

Conclusions and Recommendations

• The study concludes that the use of portable infrared thermometers can be a reliable method to measure surface temperatures in horses.
• The research also helps define optimal conditions for the clinical use of these devices and highlights certain factors that can affect limb surface temperature.