Effects of thermal applications on the abdominal temperature of dogs.

The results of thermal applications to the abdomens of unrestrained, unanesthetized dogs are reported. A silicone rubber envelope through which water circulated at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, 30 degrees, 40 degrees, or 50 degrees C was applied. Skin surface, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, intestinal, and colonic temperatures were measured after 90 minutes. Pad applications at 0 degrees, 10 degrees, 20 degrees, and 30 degrees C significantly lowered skin surface and subcutaneous temperatures, while pad applications at 40 degrees and 50 degrees C significantly increased subcutaneous and skin surface temperatures. None of the pad applications had a significant effect on intraperitoneal, intestinal, or colonic temperatures. The findings indicate that a wide range of thermal applications to the abdominal skin of the dog do not alter deep abdominal temperatures.