Equine thermal imaging, or equine infrared, has been utilized in the equine industry for 40 years. However, the original cameras were bulky and expensive, there was no patient preparation standard, and few people knew how to interpret the images once they were taken. The technology, introduced at the same time as ultrasound, quickly fell from favor - literally, because people didn't know how to use it!
Today, thermal imaging is receiving recognition as a safe, effective, economical, and valuable diagnostic tool. A specialized camera converts emitted energy (infared waves) into a picture visible by the human eye. Emitted heat may be directly correlated to circulation, which in turn indicates inflammation. While people typically think of infrared as "the hot tool", thermal imaging is equally effective at locating "cold spots." Decreased temperature may indicate nerve damage, circulatory disruption, muscle atrophy, off-loading, and more.
It is important to remember that thermal imaging is a physiologic imaging modality, meaning it detects changes in metabolic function, but cannot tell you specifically what the underlying problem is. Anatomic imaging such as radiographs or ultrasound are often needed to determine the specific lesion, while thermal imaging is an excellent locator of problems and gauge over time of healing or other processes.
Conditions causing changes that may be detected with the thermal imaging camera include:
- laminitis (founder)
- hoof abscesses
- hoof imbalances
- kissing spine
- fractures
- arthritis
- tendonitis
- ligament injuries (desmitis)
- muscle atrophy
- nerve damage
- injections
- saddle-fitting problems
- sacroiliac disease
- chiropractic lesions
- compensatory changes
- and so much more!
What is Equine Thermal Imaging?
Why you need to have a thermal imaging scan of your horse:
- Non-Invasive
- Whole horse diagnostic imaging
- Full interpretation by a veterinarian certified in Infrared
- No Radiation!
- No sedation or anesthesia
- Quick - typically scans are done in 30 minutes or less!
- Physiologic Imaging
- Find problems invisible to xray and ultrasound
- Monitor healing
- Detect tendon, ligament, and back injuries
- Check the fit of your saddle!
- Localize mystery lamenesses
There is no other modality available on the market that will give you as much information for as little expense as a complete equine thermal imaging scan and interpretation.
Why base your prepurchase solely on 2-3 sets of xrays and what a vet can feel with her hands? Wouldn't you RATHER see the WHOLE HORSE?
Get a baseline! Baseline imaging is important for future comparisons. Know what is "normal" for your horse.
Thermal imaging detects inflammation and symmetry problems missed by other modalities. Likewise, thermal imaging ALSO detects nerve damage or muscle atrophy.
A thermal imaging scan is an invaluable diagnostic tool.
Infrared Cases: Lesion Localization, Saddle-Fitting, Monitor Healing, Pre-Race, Pre and Post Competition, Metabolic, Arthritic, Soft-Tissue, Hooves and Paws. From Horses to Ponies, Dogs to Giraffes, Thermography is an excellent technology in PROPERLY TRAINED HANDS.
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