EQUINE THERMOGRAPHY "Infrared Thermography is the science of acquisition and analysis of thermal information from non-contact thermal imaging devices"

In other words, it's knowing how to take correct images with an infrared camera and then being able to accurately interpret those images.

Detecting the source of discomfort can be challenging when the subject can’t verbally communicate the location or extent of pain  ~  Thermography can help identify the source of pain.

Equine Infrared Thermal Imaging or Thermography is a non-invasive, non-contact, tool that uses the very latest infrared imaging equipment and computer software to detect minute differences in the horse’s thermal and neural condition. Thermography is a qualitative assessment of temperatures. The infrared camera measures heat emissions from the body, visible as a thermal image. It can quickly and efficiently identify areas that may require further investigation. Your vet can then make a decision on any treatment needed and thermography can then be used to monitor the recovery.

Anatomic imaging such as Ultrasound, X-ray or MRI test and reveal the actual state of structure and anatomy; a broken bone or tear in a structure such as a tendon. These diagnostics are necessary to reveal the nature and degree of breakdown that has already occurred in tissue. Physiologic imaging is a function of metabolic action and reveals the physiology of tissue as it is occurring now. Physiologic images can change and might appear prior to anatomic disruption. Thermography (or thermal imaging) is considered physiological imaging. Anatomic imaging is needed for diagnosis after thermal (physiologic) imaging has pinpointed a problem area.

Infrared Equine Thermography will help you to build an accurate picture of what is going on beneath the surface of an individual horse. It provides the horse owner and equine professional with an advanced visual aid with which to locate heat, inflammation, tissue tone, cold, reduced blood circulation and some affected nerve functions. A valuable addition to existing diagnostic tools, thermal imaging is non-invasive, emits no radiation and can be repeated as frequently as required.

At the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, where there was millions of dollars worth of equipment available to the equestrian teams, the most requested tool was thermography. It is fast, portable, non-invasive and can detect injury sites before they become lameness problems and can guide practitioners to specific anatomic areas for study using other diagnostic techniques. It is extremely useful when used by an experienced, well-trained thermographer.

Please note that Equine Thermographers provide a service in infrared imaging and interpretation, and do not make a diagnostic evaluation of the horse; a veterinarian is the only professional, by Law, who is qualified to make a medical diagnosis. However, by knowing 'where' the issues present I can help you make more informed choices, taking the right course of action.