Infrared Thermal Imaging - EquineIR Thermography Photos at Del Mar Racetrack -- by United Infrared

Aug. 1, 2013 - PRLog -- Why should performance horses get an infrared scan? Can thermal imaging help you and your vet to help your horse? That was one of the purposes of their just-completed EquineIR (equine infrared) training class. A good resource regarding application of infrared with horses is this website:
http://www.equineIR.com

EquineIR: Infrared Thermal Imaging Scans -- United Infrared just graduated new thermographers from its EquineIR.com course;  the 24-hour long class uses FLIR & other infrared cameras, with its field work at a local ranch and at the Del Mar Racetrack with thoroughbred race horses.

United Infrared, Inc. is the largest network of certified and properly trained equine thermographers in the world, as well as leaders in all aspects of using infrared imaging in the building sciences. Specific uses in building sciences include: roofing, block wall, electric, data centers, energy use, moisture intrusion into buildings.

The company just uploaded hundreds of photos to its FlickR page. It is publicly available for viewing at http://www.flickr.com/photos/unitedinfrared/sets/72157634885733592/ The photos may be shared for non-commercial purposes, provided that the United Infrared logo remains visible.

United Infrared is also at the forefront of using thermal imaging in new areas, particularly the life sciences. Thermography has been used successfully in breast tissue work, where it can find anomalies, sometimes sooner than other, current technologies! So, it should be no surprise that thermal imaging is also being used in the care and training of horses. Its website is www.unitedinfrared.com

Some of the many uses of thermography in the horse industry includes pre-purchase, hoof balancing, inflammation, general diagnostics & preventive medicine, pre-event imaging, saddle fit, as well as muscle/nerve injury.

Before Thermography, Veterinarians could only locate problems using traditional methods such as observation and palpation. Now, using advanced EquineIR™ thermography, abnormalities present stressed tissues even before damage occurs. This methodology has been developed and refined over the past twenty-five years and has been proven to be an effective imaging technique.

A horse’s saddle should fit correctly and have even bearing on the horse’s back. A thermal review of the horse and the saddle can show when pressure points are unevenly distributed, therefore causing discomfort to the horse and the rider.

Equine infrared thermal imaging was prominently featured at the recently-completed Thermal Imaging Conference 2013 in San Diego, and is also slated to be a part of the Thermal Imaging Conference 2014 in Las Vegas, June 2-5. Go to ThermalImagingConference.com to see all the details.

Infrared thermography, a technology first introduced to the equine industry in the 1960s, is finally making its way into the horse health business. Simultaneously, it is proving itself as a career opportunity for horse enthusiasts. United Infrared, Inc., the world’s largest infrared service provider, has added Equine Thermography as a new service and training module.

A thermal imaging scan is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure. A thermal imaging camera is used to convert infrared waves into images visible with the human eye. The camera detects points of heat in the body.

“The science is simple,” explains Peter Hopkins, vice president of United Infrared. “By thermally mapping the horse’s heat signature with a series of images, you can identify areas of elevated heat and cold areas, which can help identify common injuries: injuries often not detected by other modalities. ”When this service is used in conjunction with their interpretation system, a licensed and qualified infrared trained veterinarian will review the images and provide a professional interpretation.

Over a period of many years, Hopkins, in conjunction with a series of well qualified and IR trained veterinarians, developed a whole body scan procedure. Owners are instructed to prepare the horse before the thermographer’s visit. The routine begins with a short period of exercise to stimulate blood flow, followed by a prescribed rest period. Although the horse’s overall body temperature will have cooled down, an injury or problem area will typically have elevated temperatures for up to 24 hours.

The images can either be sent to United Infrared’s interpretation system and/or sent to another veterinarian familiar with and trained in thermography.

Basically, as the owner of an animal, there is an obligation to take care of it, and when an issue is not obvious, then diagnostic tools, such as an equine scan, in the hands of a specially-trained veterinarian, can be helpful. This short video helps to sort through the issues.

Infrared scans for horses are typically performed with a high-resolution IR camera, such as a FLIR camera, model T420, Minimum resolution of 320 x 240 pixels is required for equine work. Other acceptable cameras are manufactured by Testo, Fluke and Palmer-Wahl...just be sure and check the resolution; ask your equine imaging tech just to be sure!

Basically, as the owner of an animal, there is an obligation to take care of it, and when an issue is not obvious, then diagnostic tools, such as an equine scan, in the hands of a specially-trained veterinarian, can be helpful. This short video helps to sort through the issues.

United Infrared will shortly announce the next class on thermal imaging to teach those interested in the care of horses and their injuries. Info is available toll free at 888-722-6447. To view a free recorded webinar explaining the business aspects of equine infrared, go to United Infrared's YouTube video at: http://youtu.be/HkBpQ2MiYwA