What is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging is an imaging technique that allowes us to captures a snapshot of the heat emitted by the body of an animal or a human

It is what we call a physiological diagnostic tool which is different to both X-Rays and Ultrasound which capture images of internal strcutures and are therefore called anatomical diagnostic tools.

Infrared Thermography (IRT) has been used in medicine for a number of years but it's only recently gaining some recognition in the veterinary field. This is mainly due to the fact that over the years IR cameras have become smaller and more user friendly, making it easier to for vets to incorporate Thermal Imaging into their practices.

Benefits of Thermal Imaging

The best thing about Thermal Imaging or Thermography is that we can get to see things which wouldn't be visible using X-Rays or Ultrasound.

One of these is the abilty to pinpoint areas of inflammation which can lead to further problems and pain down the track.

It's particularly useful in discovering the likely origin of lameness in horses and other animals.

When an animal (or human) experiences pain in other area of the body, a natural response is to reduce the stress to the area. This could mean shifting the weight bearing load from one area to another or limiting movement of the affected limb. This compensatory action places stress to other parts of the body, potentially causing further damage or injury.

In Veterinary Practice, Thermal Imaging can also be used to assist in the diagnosis (or prognosis) of:

• Back pain / disc problems
• Muscle tears and strains
• Tendonitis
• Hoof abscesses
• Ligament tears and joint injuries
• Fractures
• Blood vessel and nerve entrapment
• Arthritis, myositis
• Compromised blood circulation and more

In fact, the more IRT is used, the more problems we find that can benefit from its use.

In our practice we consider IRT to be complementary to our other diagnostic tools such as X-Rays, Ultrasound and Laboratory testing and so far we're pleased with the information it's provided for us.

So don't be too surprised if we suggest this as a diagnostic option for your pet.

Other advantages of Thermal Imaging are:

Unlike X-Rays - there's no danger of radiation as it is totally non invasive

We can image the "whole horse" to localise a problem area which we can't do using X-rays.

The picture here shows just one of the images we take during a Full Equine body examination.

Like to know more?

To find out more about the History of Thermography,  Equine Thermography

or our Thermal Imaging Services please follow these links.