Field testing two animal-specific non-contact thermometers on healthy horses

This study investigated the accuracy of two animal specific non-contact infrared thermometers (Rycom and Thermofocus) when compared to rectal temperature in healthy horses. One hundred rectal and eye temperatures were measured in 22 horses. Fewer than 50% of the readings taken with the Thermofocus device were within ± 0.5°C of rectal temperature. Over 80% of eye temperature readings taken with the Rycom device were within ± 0.5°C of rectal temperature measured from the medial canthus region. The Rycom thermometer also appears to detect hyperthermia when measuring the left eye temperature; however, clinical patient testing is needed before its use can be recommended