Transcript Temperature, Pulse & Respiration

TPR - TEMPERATURE, PULSE & RESPIRATION
Presentation on
TEMPERATURE, PULSE & RESPIRATION
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?
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?
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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?
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Rectum i.e. under the tail
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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Wash hands
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Restrain animal
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Check thermometer reading – shake
down if necessary
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Lubricate thermometer with Vaseline or
KY jelly
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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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
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Hold the thermometer in the rectum for 1 minute
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Gently remove the thermometer and wipe it clean. Avoid touching the bulb
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Procedure for taking the temperature using a mercury thermometer
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Hold the thermometer horizontally and rotate it until the mercury level is
visible
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Read and record the temperature, noting and reporting any abnormalities
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Shake down the thermometer to ensure that the mercury returns to the bulb
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Wash hands
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Digital thermometers
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Lubricate thermometer with Vaseline or
KY jelly
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Turn thermometer on
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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
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Take reading when thermometer beeps
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Temperature
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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.
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Temperature
How do mammals warm themselves up?
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By shivering. The muscle movements releases heat
How do dogs cool themselves down?
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By panting. Panting removes excess heat from the body when the moisture in
the dog’s mouth and tongue evaporates, taking heat with it.
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Temperature
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Infectious diseases and other illnesses affect this regulatory system and
cause the animal’s body temperature to alter from its normal range
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Checking an animal’s temperature can therefore give us a good indication
of that animal’s health status
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Normal temperature ranges
Below are the normal temperature ranges for dogs, cats and rabbits
in degrees Celsius:
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Dog
38.3 – 38.7°C
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Cat
38.0 – 38.5°C
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Rabbit 38.5 – 40.0°C
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Temperature
A high body temperature is called PYREXIA and may be caused by:
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Infection
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Convulsions (fits)
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Pain
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Excitement
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Temperature
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An abnormally low body temperature is said to be SUBCLINICAL and can
occur in anaesthetised or unconscious animals
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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
Pulse
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The pulse is used to check the functions of the cardio-vascular system
(heart and blood vessels)
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A pulse is created when the heart beats, forcing a wave of blood through
the arteries
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A normal pulse is firm and regular
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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
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Pulse
Normal pulse rates are shown below :
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Dog
60 – 180
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Cat
120 – 180
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Rabbit
150 – 300
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Sites for pulse taking
The pulse may be taken using the following sites:
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Femoral artery (inside of hind leg)
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Digital pulse (front paw)
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Lingual pulse (underside of tongue – anesthetised animals only!)
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Procedure for pulse – taking
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The patient should be restrained
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Locate the artery with the fingers
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Count the pulsations for one minute
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Record the rate and report any abnormalities
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Pulse
Increases in pulse rate can be due to:
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Exercise
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Excitement or stress
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Heart disease
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Shock or blood loss
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Pain
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High temperature
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Pulse
Decreases in pulse rate can be due to:
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•
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Sleep or unconsciousness
Heart disease
Other disease
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
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The rhythm and rate of respiration can be assessed by careful observation
of an undisturbed animal
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Count either inspirations or expirations for one minute
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Record respiration rate
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Note and record any abnormalities
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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!
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
Normal respiration rates are as follows :
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Dog 10 – 30
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Cat 20 – 30
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
Causes of increased respiration rate:
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Exercise
Haemorrhage
Shock
Pain
Excitement or fear
Heat stroke
Disease
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
Causes of decreased respiration rate :
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Unconsciousness or sleep
Some poisons
Hypothermia
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
Dyspnoea (difficult breathing)
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Panting is normal for a dog, if he or she has been just been exercised or is
too hot
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Panting can also be a sign of stress or excitement
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If you are concerned that your dog is panting for no known reason, contact
your veterinary practice
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Respiration
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Cats SELDOM pant – they
usually take things too easily to
get hot and bothered!
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If your cat is panting this could
be an emergency – contact your
veterinary practice immediately.
Temperature, Pulse & Respiration
Signs that an animal is finding breathing difficult:
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Forced breathing out
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Flared nostrils
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Extended head and neck
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Mouth breathing
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Large movements of the chest or abdomen
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Noisy breathing
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Blue mucous membranes (gums)
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CALL THE VET!