R(D)SVS Vital Signs – Agreed Reference Ranges
Following extensive consultation with clinicians at the R(D)SVS, the table below summarises agreed reference ranges for normal healthy animals under
typical ‘unstressed’ conditions. However, you should be aware that:
1. These figures will vary according to the age, size, breed, fitness and degree of stress that the animal is under at the time of examination, and clinical
judgement should be applied to your interpretation of these values according to each individual case.
2. Different clinicians (and different textbooks) are likely to have their own individual ‘preferred ranges’, however, this is the agreed and endorsed
range that should be used for teaching, learning and assessment throughout the BVM&S degree
Horse
Rectal
Temperature
(⁰C)
Cat
Dog
Cow (Ox)
Pig
Rabbit
37.5 - 38.5
38.0 – 39.0
38.0 - 39.0
38.0 - 39.0
38.5 - 40.0
38.5 - 40.0
(99.5-101.3⁰F)
(100.4-102.2⁰F)
Sheep
39.0 - 40.0
(102.2-104.0⁰F)
(100.4-102.2⁰F)
(100.4-102.2⁰F)
(101.3-104.0⁰F)
(101.3-104.0⁰F)
Heart Rate
(beats/min)
38 – 42
160-220
60-120
60-80
90-110
180 - 300
70-90
Respiratory Rate
(breaths/min)
8 - 12
18-30
15-30
15-30
10-20
30 - 60
20-30
The mnemonic “CODHOPRS” (pronounced ‘Cod Hoppers’) may act as a useful learning aid for the ascending rectal temperature ranges of the different species.
It uses the 1st letter of each species, and the order of the columns in the table above are also arranged to correspond with this.
Rectal Temperature range (⁰C)
Horse
Cat
Ox
Dog
Pig
Rabbit
Sheep
37.5-38.5
38.0-39.0
38.5-40.0
39.0-40.0
Original document compiled by the BVM&S Clinical Skills Committee after extensive consultation with numerous clinicians in April 2012.
This version was discussed again by various colleagues and revised for LTC approval in July 2014
Further comments for discussion at LTC:


Small animal colleagues asked “whether we should include systolic blood pressure here? Really only measured in cats and dogs, where range would
be 100-150 mmHg, or is it OK just to be in Husbandry and biology lectures?”
Also some discussion about whether we should consider including other species? This was discussed at Clinical Skills Committee (June 26th 2014)
and consensus was that this would potentially make the table too complex for students to learn.
Suggested dissemination routes around R(D)SVS and Roslin
1. Circulate to all Course Organisers, deadline end of July for comments.
2. Once agreed, approve a final ‘endorsed by LTC’ version.
3. Dissemination approaches:
 To all course teams (e-mail via Course organisers and inclusion in coursebooks)
 To hospitals (posters on walls in clinical areas)
 To students (email, EEVEC and Learn)
 To rest of School (via next School Meeting)
Any other suggestions?
Original document compiled by the BVM&S Clinical Skills Committee after extensive consultation with numerous clinicians in April 2012.
This version was discussed again by various colleagues and revised for LTC approval in July 2014