Table 2.1

Normal clinical parameters in the dog and cat

1. Action: Place the animal in a comfortable standing position on a table.

    Rationale: If the patient feels uncomfortable or insecure it will try to escape.

2. Action: Ask an assistant to restrain the dog gently by placing one arm around the neck and the other around the chest. Ensure that the dog is relaxed and quiet. Cats should be held lightly with both hands around the shoulders, or place one hand under the chin and the other around its chest, pulling it close to your body.

    Rationale: In this position, the animal will feel comfortable and unrestricted; however, the assistant will be able to react quickly if it tries to jump off the table.

3. Action: Select either a mercury or digital thermometer.

    Rationale: Choice of instrument depends on availability.

4. Action: Lubricate the end with K-Y jelly or a similar lubricant.

    Rationale: Lubrication reduces the discomfort of insertion into the rectum.

5. Action: Shake the mercury down to the bulb or check that the digital thermometer is switched on and displaying a reading.

    Rationale: If the mercury is not shaken down the new reading will be inaccurate.

6. Action: Gently, but firmly, insert the instrument into the rectum through the anus. A slight rotating action may help entrance through the rectal sphincters. Cats, particularly, may require patient gentle pressure before the sphincters relax.

    Rationale: In animals, the oral route is not practical but the rectal route is easy and well tolerated.

7. Action: Leave the thermometer in position for at least 30 seconds.

    Rationale: The mercury has to have time to warm up and expand.

8. Action: Clean the end of the thermometer by wiping with a paper cloth or cotton wool.

    Rationale: This prevents transmission of disease to another animal the next time the thermometer is used.

9. Action: Read the mercury thermometer by looking for the line of mercury against the scale. Read off the figures on the digital thermometer.

    Rationale: The glass of the thermometer magnifies the mercury line and makes it easier to read.

10. Action: Record the reading on the hospital record or clinical record.

    Rationale: To monitor rises or falls in the body temperature.

11. Action: Shake down the mercury or reset the digital reading.

    Rationale: To prepare the thermometer for use in the future.

12. Action: Place the bulb of the instrument in the disinfectant container.

    Rationale: This prevents transmission of disease to another animal the next time the thermometer is used.