BONE DAMAGE

Ossesous (bone tissue) pathology can be seen thermographically when injury occurs to bones covered with minimal fascia and muscle. Stress fractures in the third metacarpus and tibia have been detected with thermography. Frequently these lesions clinically manifest as subtle lameness or poor performance. These lesions can progress to catastrophic injury if training continues. Radiographs (x-rays) are usually negative in the acute phase of a stress fracture because the micro fissure will not be evident until the horse begins to form a bony callous. Although thermographic images cannot confirm the presence of a frature, they may suggest the need for further diagnostics such as scintigraphy. Thermography can also be used to follow the recovery process.