TPR - TEMPERATURE, PULSE & RESPIRATION

1. TPR - TEMPERATURE, PULSE & RESPIRATION Presentation on TEMPERATURE, PULSE & RESPIRATION

2. Introduction • Who would take temperature, pulse and respiration readings in the dog and cat? • Why are these readings necessary? • What site might we use to take a dog’s temperature? • Does anyone have any previous experience of taking TPRs?

3. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Who would take temperature, pulse and respiration readings in the dog and cat? • Veterinary surgeons, veterinary nurses, breeders, kennel / cattery owners, pet owners Why are these readings necessary? • Taking an animal’s TPR can give us a good indication of the general health status of that animal What site might we use to take a dog’s temperature? • Rectum i.e. under the tail

4. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer • Wash hands • Restrain animal • Check thermometer reading – shake down if necessary • Lubricate thermometer with Vaseline or KY jelly

5. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer • Gently insert the thermometer into the patient’s rectum with a twisting motion. The thermometer should be directed against the wall of the rectum to avoid insertion into the faecal mass • Hold the thermometer in the rectum for 1 minute • Gently remove the thermometer and wipe it clean. Avoid touching the bulb

6. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer • Hold the thermometer horizontally and rotate it until the mercury level is visible • Read and record the temperature, noting and reporting any abnormalities • Shake down the thermometer to ensure that the mercury returns to the bulb • Wash hands

7. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Digital thermometers • Lubricate thermometer with Vaseline or KY jelly • Turn thermometer on • Gently insert the thermometer into the patient’s rectum with a twisting motion. The thermometer should be directed against the wall of the rectum to avoid insertion into the faecal mass • Take reading when thermometer beeps

8. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Temperature • CONTROL OF BODY TEMPERATURE - Mammals are ‘warm blooded’ or endothermic. This means that they regulate or control their own body temperature within a narrow range.

9. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Temperature How do mammals warm themselves up? • By shivering. The muscle movements releases heat How do dogs cool themselves down? • By panting. Panting removes excess heat from the body when the moisture in the dog’s mouth and tongue evaporates, taking heat with it.

10. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Temperature • Infectious diseases and other illnesses affect this regulatory system and cause the animal’s body temperature to alter from its normal range • Checking an animal’s temperature can therefore give us a good indication of that animal’s health status

11. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Normal temperature ranges Below are the normal temperature ranges for dogs, cats and rabbits in degrees Celsius: • Dog 38.3 – 38.7°C • Cat 38.0 – 38.5°C • Rabbit 38.5 – 40.0°C

12. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Temperature A high body temperature is called PYREXIA and may be caused by: • Infection • Convulsions (fits) • Pain • Excitement

13. An abnormally low body temperature is said to be SUBCLINICAL and can occur in anaesthetised or unconscious animals Extreme external temperatures can also affect an animal, causing HYPOTHERMIA (low body temperature caused by external conditions) or HYPERTHERMIA (high body temperature caused by external conditions e.g. heat stroke) Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Temperature

14. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Pulse • The pulse is used to check the functions of the cardio-vascular system (heart and blood vessels) • A pulse is created when the heart beats, forcing a wave of blood through the arteries • A normal pulse is firm and regular • Sometimes a dog’s pulse rate goes faster and slower as the dog breathes in and out. This is called sinus arrythmia and is normal

15. Normal pulse rates are shown below : Dog 60 – 180 Cat 120 – 180 Rabbit 150 – 300 Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Pulse

16. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Sites for pulse taking The pulse may be taken using the following sites: • Femoral artery (inside of hind leg) • Digital pulse (front paw) • Lingual pulse (underside of tongue – anesthetised animals only!)

17. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Procedure for pulse – taking • The patient should be restrained • Locate the artery with the fingers • Count the pulsations for one minute • Record the rate and report any abnormalities

18. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Pulse Increases in pulse rate can be due to: • Exercise • Excitement or stress • Heart disease • Shock or blood loss • Pain • High temperature

19. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Pulse Decreases in pulse rate can be due to: • Sleep or unconsciousness • Heart disease • Other disease

20. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Respiration • The rhythm and rate of respiration can be assessed by careful observation of an undisturbed animal • Count either inspirations or expirations for one minute • Record respiration rate • Note and record any abnormalities • Respiration should only be measured once an animal is calm and quiet. The reading is taken on EITHER breathing in OR breathing out – not both!

21. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Respiration Normal respiration rates are as follows : • Dog 10 – 30 • Cat 20 – 30

22. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Respiration Causes of increased respiration rate: • Exercise • Haemorrhage • Shock • Pain • Excitement or fear • Heat stroke • Disease

23. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Respiration Causes of decreased respiration rate : • Unconsciousness or sleep • Some poisons • Hypothermia

24. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Dyspnoea (difficult breathing) Respiration • Panting is normal for a dog, if he or she has been just been exercised or is too hot • Panting can also be a sign of stress or excitement • If you are concerned that your dog is panting for no known reason, contact your veterinary practice

25. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Respiration • Cats SELDOM pant – they usually take things too easily to get hot and bothered! • If your cat is panting this could be an emergency – contact your veterinary practice immediately.

26. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration Signs that an animal is finding breathing difficult: • Forced breathing out • Flared nostrils • Extended head and neck • Mouth breathing • Large movements of the chest or abdomen • Noisy breathing • Blue mucous membranes (gums) • CALL THE VET!