Temperature based respiratory detection

A method of determining equine respiratory flow, comprising:

• disposing a mouthpiece coupled to a straight tubular vessel having a stepped diameter around a breathing orifice of an equine patient, the mouthpiece forming a sealing engagement around the breathing orifice, the straight tubular vessel having a sensor element disposed therein, the breathing orifice in fluidic communication with the mouthpiece for directing inhaled and exhaled respiratory volume through the straight tubular vessel via the mouthpiece;
• receiving, at a sensor circuit, volumetric readings from the sensor element, the sensor element disposed in a noninterfering arrangement within a fluid path in the straight tubular vessel such that respiratory gases are unencumbered from passage, and having variable electrical characteristics based on a temperature and humidity of respiratory gases flowing past the sensor element;
• and
• computing, based on a series of volumetric readings, the equine respiratory flow, the volumetric readings defined by changes in electrical characteristics of the sensor element during inflow and outflow of respiratory gases of the equine patient, the sensor element defined by a thermistor having a resistance that varies inversely with temperature, the temperature based on a volume of respiration gases passing through the tubular vessel from the respiration source.