TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN CHRONIC CERVICAL CATS

Abstract

This study was undertaken in an effort to determine how much recovery in thermoregulatory ability occurs and to find out if acclimatization plays a role in this recovery. Considerable recovery takes place in the first few days of survival but, when the animals are kept in a warm room and only exposed to cold during a test, even 2 mos. after the operation the animals are unable to maintain normal rectal temps. in a room at 68[degree]F. Acclimatization to cold was successfully attempted. While only one cat was able to maintain its rectal temp. above 99[degree]F. when exposed to 65[degree]F. for 3 hrs. after the group was acclimatized to heat, 6 out of 7 were able to do so after acclimatization to cold. Sweating, erection of hair and shivering below the level of the cord lesion were never observed and it is assumed that the acclimatization to cold represents an increase in the basal metabolic rate. The reflex activity of chronic cervical cats is discussed.