Title: Thermography for Horses and Other Animals
Can you do Thermography with Animals?
Thermography is a non-invasive method of measuring heat emissions from the body. Using thermal imaging cameras on horses and camels (or warm-blooded animals) allows for the discovery of abnormal thermal patterns and identification of early signs of diseases to an animal.
Thermography reports can help provide guidance to qualified Veterinary Surgeons, indicating areas of concern, and assisting with medical diagnosis and treatment.
Benefits of Equine Thermography
Once thermal images have been captured, trained equine thermal imaging technicians (thermographers) or vet’s will be able to accurately measure heat emissions from the animal’s body, allowing them to identify problem areas such as:
- Nerve damage
- Bone injury
- Undiagnosed lameness
- Muscle damage
- Soft-tissue damage
- Tendon stress
- Incorrect saddle fit
Thermographers are also able to monitor injury, recovery, and the overall performance of the animal. This makes thermography an invaluable tool for trainers, practicing veterinarians, and physiotherapists.
The use of the thermal camera is often a significantly cheaper alternative to conventional body scans, x-rays, and MRI’s. In addition to this, veterinary professionals can use the thermal cameras as a non-contact tool for the static assessment of stall-bound horses. This is especially useful for conducting an indicative analysis of horses that are temperamental or not previously ridden.
Muscle Injury Diagnosis & Nerve Damage
Areas of detecting inflammation around a muscle group can show problematic things with muscles long before they become apparent as an actual injury. Known as muscle atrophy, this is detected by a consistent decrease in circulation when compared to the other side of the muscle group.
Similarly, damage to nerves because of disease or forced trauma can affect the blood flow and can be detected using thermal imaging systems.
Thermal Camera Evaluations of Other Animals
All these evaluations are also applicable to other animals and can be used to test common household pets such as cats and dogs.
Remember – It is an offense for any person, other than the owner of the animal, to treat an animal unless there is permission from the vet in charge of the case or to whom the animal would be referred is sought and obtained. A Veterinary Surgeon is extremely unlikely to refer any customers to you unless you are trained by a reputable training center.
Getting Started
Strictly speaking no. However, recognized qualifications are a great way to demonstrate knowledge and competence for those new to the industry if you want to learn more you may visit www.infraredlearning.com and learn about:
- Principles of Infrared Thermography
- Equipment and Data Acquisition
- Setting up a Thermal Imaging Camera
- Thermal Image Processing
- Basic Reporting for Equine Scans
- Basic Equine Pattern Recognition
- Pre-scan, scan, and post-scan procedures
Check out our Youtube account for more: https://youtu.be/S8tlW8B2C4w