Changes in Body Surface Temperature Associated with High-Speed Treadmill Exercise in Beagle Dogs Measured by Infrared Thermography

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Heat exchange between the body surface and the external environment plays an important role in the regulation of body temperature in animals. Previous studies on the effect of exercise on the distribution of body surface temperature in dogs have been conducted on a variety of breeds and did not employ specific defined regions of interest. The aim of our research was to assess the influence of high-speed treadmill exercise on body surface temperature using infrared thermography in selected body regions of healthy Beagle dogs, taking into account gait and recovery time. The study was based exclusively on the Beagle breed, which presents short, uniform, and straight hair, conducting heat more readily from the skin. Statistical analysis indicated the highest temperature at the upper forearm and thigh, and the lowest on the croup, back, and neck. The peak surface temperature values in all examined areas were observed after the canter and the post-gallop walk, and the lowest were observed 2 h after exercise. Our study confirms that the body surface temperature of Beagle dogs is influenced by high-speed physical exercise on a treadmill as a result of muscle activity and changes in blood flow. The proximal forelimb and hindlimb were the most influenced by exercise. ABSTRACT: Evaluation of body surface temperature change in response to exercise is important for monitoring physiological status. The aim of the study was to assess the influence of high-speed treadmill exercise on body surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in selected body regions of healthy Beagle dogs, taking into account gait and recovery time. Thermographic images of the dogs were taken before exercise (BE), after walk (AW), after trot (AT), after canter (AC), just after second walk (JAE), 5 min after exercise (5 AE), 15 min after exercise (15 AE), 30 min after exercise (30 AE), 45 min after exercise (45 AE), and 120 min after exercise (120 AE). Body surface temperature was measured at the neck, shoulder, upper forearm, back, chest, croup, and thigh. Statistical analysis indicated the highest temperature at the upper forearm, shoulder, and thigh, and the lowest on the croup, back, and neck. The peak values of surface temperature in all ROIs were at AC and JAE and the lowest at 120 AE. The study demonstrated that body surface temperature was influenced by high-speed physical exercise on a treadmill and IRT was a viable imaging modality that provided temperature data from specific body regions. The proximal forelimb and hindlimb were the most influenced by exercise.