Temperature Monitoring and Thermal Support in Exotic Animal Critical Care

Body temperature measurement is one of the most important parameters to assess the health of a patient. In small exotic mammals, rectal temperature is obtained via a similar process as in dogs or cats, with a few specific differences. In reptiles and birds, measurement of body temperature can provide important information, albeit its accuracy may be limited. In most animals, temperature should be taken at the beginning of the examination to not artificially elevate the temperature during the physical exam. Heat support is typically indicated any time a patient's temperature is below the accepted core temperature range and cooling may be indicated whenever a patient's temperature exceeds a critical point.

Rectal temperature is a prognostic indicator in client-owned guinea pigs

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether rectal temperature was associated with patient mortality in client-owned guinea pigs upon presentation to a veterinary hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical record database at a veterinary teaching hospital was searched for records of guinea pigs from January 2016 through June 2019. Guinea pigs were included in the study if a rectal temperature was measured at presentation and there was data on survival status 7 days post-presentation. If survivor status was not documented in the medical record, follow-up information was obtained from the client via telephone or email. The data was ultimately collected from 201 client-owned guinea pigs who presented for 388 independent examinations. Univariable, multivariable and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Guinea pigs with hypothermia (<37.9°C) at presentation had a relative risk of mortality within 7 days of presentation almost 3 times greater than guinea pigs without hypothermia (relative risk: 2.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.86 to 4.48). For each 0.55°C decrease in rectal temperature, the odds of death increased 1.6 times (odds ratio: 1.64; 95% confidence interval: 1.42 to 2.89). Sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the finding.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Rectal temperature was a predictor of death for guinea pigs presenting for care at a veterinary hospital. Obtaining a rectal temperature recording should be considered for patient guinea pigs.