Recording of respiration, pulse and rectal temperature in animals Respiration Respiration includes inspiration and an expiration of air into and out of the lungs. This can be observed by raise and fall of chest or flank. It can also be recorded by feeling the breath at nostrils (expiration) with Back of the hand. Respiratory rate expressed as the number of respiration per minute. Precautions When recording respiration, pulse and temperature it is desirable to be recorded in the following order. Stand quietly near the animal and count the respiration rate first before animal is handled. Then record the pulse rate and finally record the temperature.

Cont… Pulse Pulse is the impulse of heart felt thro’ an artery. In horses: External maxillary artery at the site of lower jaw and median artery at the elbow and digital artery along side of the cannon bone. In sheep, goat, dog, cats: Femoral artery inside the hind limb. Cattle: coccygeal artery at base of the tail In all animals pulse is recorded for at least 1 – 2 min and pulse rate expressed in o of pulse per minute.

Cont… Rectal temperature Rectal temperature is the sum of total conserved heat produced in the body resulting from metabolic process in the body. Temperature is one of the basic signs of health which has to be maintained within normal limits. Eg. Increase in the body temperature is the sign of ill health.

Methods of observation Clinical thermometers used to observe the body temperature which is inserted into the rectum to record rectal temperature Mercury column of the thermometer reduced below the body temperature of the animal. Lubricate the bulb of the thermometer using ordinary soap. Insert it into the rectum by guarding the index finger. Then push it in a sideward manner so that bulb will touch the mucous membrane of rectum Then thermometer is retained in the rectum for 1- 2 min. (care taken not to bury the bulb in the dung). Then thermometer removed & cleaned and wiped with a cotton and the temperature is read. Restraint may be necessary. Eg. In horse the forelimb can be lifted.

Physiological parameters S. No Type of animal Normal Temp. 0 C Pulse per minute Respiration per minute 1Horse Cattle Sheep Goat Pig Dog Cat