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. Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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. Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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. Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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
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
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
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 – 38.7°C
Cat – 38.5°C
Rabbit 38.5 – 40.0°C

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

13. Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
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)

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

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
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
Decreases in pulse rate can be due to:
Sleep or unconsciousness
Heart disease
Other disease

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

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

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

24. Dyspnoea (difficult breathing)
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
Dyspnoea (difficult breathing)
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
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!