Comparison of rectal and vaginal temperature daily rhythm in dogs (Canis familiaris) under different photoperiod |
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Authors: | Claudia Giannetto Francesco Fazio Michele Panzera Daniela Alberghina |
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Institution: | Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Polo Universitario dell’Annunziata, 98168 Messina, Italy |
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Abstract: | To investigate the daily rhythm of rectal and vaginal temperature, we used six mongrel dogs with a mean body weight of 15±3 kg, aged between 2 and 3 years old. Rectal and vaginal temperatures were recorded every 3 h over 48-h period during three different lighting regimes: natural light/dark (L/D) cycle (sunrise 06:25, sunset 17:05), constant light (L/L) and constant darkness (D/D). A daily rhythm of rectal temperature was observed in both days of monitoring in all experimental conditions. Vaginal temperature showed a daily rhythmicity in L/D and D/D cycle. During the L/L cycle, daily rhythm was disrupted. Rhythmic parameters (MESOR, amplitude, acrophase and robustness) did not change between the different photoperiod and the site of temperature collection. In conclusion, the monitoring of vaginal temperature can be considered a valid alternative to the monitoring of body temperature as well as rectal temperature under natural lighting conditions in canine medicine. |
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Keywords: | vaginal rectal temperature daily rhythm different photoperiod |
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