ASSESSMENT OF 2 DEVICES FOR MEASURING TYMPANIC MEMBRANE TEMPERATURE IN SWINE, DAIRY-CATTLE, AND DAIRY CALVES

Objective-To compare tympanic membrane temperature readings obtained w ith 2 commercially available devices with rectal temperature readings obtained with a standard mercury thermometer in dairy cattle, dairy ca lves, and swine. Design-Clinical trial. Animals-6 Holstein calves (app rox 6 months old), 6 Holstein cattle (approx 4 years old), and 5 Landr ace-Poland China swine. Procedure-Tympanic membrane temperatures were measured, and results were compared with rectal temperatures obtained with a standard mercury thermometer. Tympanic membrane temperatures we re obtained before and after insertion of the rectal thermometer. Temp erature readings in swine were obtained following passive restraint in a cage-like device or restraint using a snare to assess the effect of stress on tympanic membrane temperature. Results-Tympanic membrane te mperature readings from both devices were lower than those obtained us ing a rectal thermometer for all animals. Repealed measurement of tymp anic membrane temperature of individual cattle resulted in consistent readings for both devices. Clinical Implications-Because all animals w ere visibly healthy, results suggest that tympanic membrane temperatur e readings obtained with either device may be an adequate assessment o f health status.