Infrared Thermal Imaging For Horses And Saddles

NORTH YORK, Ontario - March 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Equine Wellness Canada provides Infrared Thermal Imaging for Horses and Saddles

Equine Thermography is Physiological Imaging, such as Infrared Imaging has the ability to not only see tissue conditions but can also recognize areas that are indicative of anatomical issues.

Compensating injuries and their root cause(s) can be identified. (For example, early onset arthritis in one limb, but apparent lameness in another) . This not only helps to treat the limb that is actually affected by a problem but also the associated issues.

Physiological Imaging shows metabolic changes in the circulation and blood flow.
Temperature changes are always the foremost indicators of a simultaneous structural change, and thermal imaging can detect these changes before they are apparent using other diagnostic modalities and tools.

Thermography shows inflammation related to the structure and any abnormal strain or loading of the area which may lead to a recommendation of baseline radiographs to rule out structural ailments such as hock fusion, arthritis, etc.

Anatomical Imaging such as x-rays shows anatomical structures but lacks in the ability to see soft tissue conditions. An Infrared camera produces an image from the heat radiating from the skin. Even minimal tissue damage causes changes in blood flow, which is detected by an infrared camera as warm or cool areas.

Both sides of the horses body should have Symmetrical thermal patterns. Hot or Cold Asymmetries can be abnormal and need further investigation.

Equine Thermography uses a thermal imaging camera to detect and convert infrared waves (heat) emitted from the surface of the horse into coloured images visible with the human eye. It can detect temperature differences of less than one-tenth a degree. White areas are hottest while black areas are coldest. The colours in between denote gradual declines or increases in the horses’s body temperature.

A Certified Equine Thermographer uses the Flir System Infrared Camera and takes 28-30 coordinating images from every possible angle of your horse. These images are later entered into a special computer system that formulates them into a comprehensive report. Your veterinarian, if trained in infrared thermal imaging interpretation, or Equine Wellness’ specially trained veterinarians can then interpret the report. It is highly suggested that the report be evaluated by a veterinarian specifically trained in reading equine thermal Images.

Dr. Joanna Robson of California states that an ill-fitting saddle is the primary problem in most instances of:

horses' hock problems, stiffness, trouble with hills, difficulty with leads, problems bending
crookedness, head tossing, tripping and stumbling , dropping out in front or behind, bucking or rearing under saddle, biting when saddled or girthed

Listed below are many reasons to use Thermography :

Pre-Purchase
Hoof Balancing
Inflammation
General Diagnostics & Preventive Medicine
Pre-Event Imaging
Saddle Fit
Muscle/Nerve Injury

Thermal Imaging is done at your location and it's non-invasive (No radiation)

Discounts may apply for multiple horses at same location