2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Three hundred and eighty two dogs were included in the study. Rectal temperature was assessed in a standardized manner by two persons (FJ and MP) with two identical digital rectal thermometers. The thermometers were validated for accuracy and repeatability (within-day variability) with a high precision thermometer. The thermometers validation was performed with and without protective sheaths. The rectal temperature was measured consecutively in each dog with and without protective sheaths in a randomized order. The difference of temperature measured with the two methods was analyzed with a generalized linear model with order of temperature measurement, age, body condition score (underweight, normal and overweight), format (stratified as mini, medium and large) and conscience level (conscious, sedated and anesthetized) as explanatory variables. Results are presented as mean AE SD.