rectal temperature - correct

Question
hello, how come rectal temperature gives the correct reading? cant i keep the thermometer behind the arm sticking to heart girth? cant i keep the thermometer in the vulva of the horse?

Answer
Hi Caine,

Thank you for your question.  Taking your horse's temperature rectally is the best method for recording body temperature.  The vulva of the horse does not have a secure enough sphincter to keep air out...and so the temperature reading from the vulva tends to be cooler than the actual internal body temperature of the horse.  Because the skin is designed to cool the horse, a reading taken from against the skin is by no means an accurate indication of internal body temperature.  Although taking a rectal temperature seems dangerous, it is something that your horse will become accustomed to with some regular practice.  Practicing taking rectal temperature will also help you establish a baseline temperature for your horse...as each horse's temperature runs a little different.

I hope that helps.

Thanks, Corlena