Body Temperature
3.3.1 Body Temperature "Fever" means an elevated temperature (above normal). One of the most common reasons for fever is infection because the body's temperature rises as it fights the infection. Elevated temperatures also occur:
- With exercise, fear and direct sunlight (especially in dark colored animals).
- Mother animals giving birth and newborn animals which cannot control well their body temperature. (e.g. sows during farrowing often overheat in hot climates.)
- At a young age (i.e. young animals normally have slightly higher temperatures).
Below-normal temperature may occur:
- In cows with "milk fever."
- In baby animals that are small, weak, underfed, or have diarrhea.
- In cases of poisoning.
- Just before death.
HOW TO TAKE THE TEMPERATURE
| -Grasp the thermometer firmly at the end with the highest numbers. Shake the thermometer so that the liquid is forced to the end with the lowest numbers. | |
|---|---|
| -Moisten the thermometer with water, spit, oil or soap. Gently insert the thermometer into the rectum and hold it against the wall of the rectum. Do not force it! Do not leave it in the middle of a mass of feces. | |
| -Either hold the thermometer firmly with your hand while taking the temperature, or tie a string to the end of the thermometer and attach a clip on the free end of the string. When the thermometer is in the rectum, attach the clip to a tuft of hair or wool on the tail. Otherwise, the animal may push the thermometer out and break it. Leave the thermometer in the rectum for 2 to 3 minutes. | |
| -Remove thermometer and wipe it off with a leaf, piece of straw, or rag. | |
| -To read the thermometer, grasp the thermometer at the end with the highest numbers. Then slowly rotate it until a clear liquid line is visible. At the point where the liquid line abruptly ends, read the number marked on the thermometer. This is the temperature of the animal. | |
| -Clean the thermometer with soap and water; store it in a case to prevent breakage. |
Table 1: Normal Body Temperatures Measured by a Thermometer in the Rectum
| Animal | Rectal Temperature Fahrenheit (F) | Rectal Temperature Celsius (C) |
|---|---|---|
| Man / Woman | 98.6 | 37 |
| Cattle less than 1 year | 102.5 | 39.2 |
| Buffalo less than 1 year | 102.0 | 38.9 |
| Cattle more than 1 year | 101.5 | 38.6 |
| Buffalo more than 1 year | 100.5 | 38.1 |
| Horse | 100.5 | 38.1 |
| Mature Goat (varies with weather) | 104 | 40 |
| Young Sheep / Goat | 103.1 | 39.5 |
| Mature Sheep | 103 | 39.5 |
| Young Pigs | 103.6 | 39.8 |
| Mature Pig | 102.2 | 39 |
| Rabbit | 102.7 | 39.3 |
| Chicken | 107.6 | 42 |
| Dog | 102 | 39 |
| Cat | 101.5 | 38.5 |