Thermal Imaging
Infrared thermal imaging is increasingly being recognised as an important tool to aid diagnosis and early identification of injury
As a preventative measure Thermal Imaging can
· provide base-line data
· identify areas of stress
· flag sub-clinical problems
allowing for early adjustment to training, exercise programmes and workload
Injuries, whether open wound, fracture, muscle or tendon tear, will create increased blood flow – resulting in raised, localised body temperature that can be picked up using thermal imagery … often before any physical signs or symptoms have become apparent
As an aid to veterinary diagnosis significant thermal asymmetry can be highlighted for further investigation, together with any accompanying compensatory patterns.
Thermal imaging can also be used to track the healing process itself providing before, during and after treatment images in order to monitor progress.
But it’s not all about direct injuries to the horse …
· dental problems
· rider issues
can equally easily be picked up using thermography and addressed before they develop into more serious issues
· Training regimes
· Exercise programmes
· Event injury
· Shoeing issues
· Dental problems
· Saddle fitting
· Rider imbalance
Reports submitted for Veterinary evaluation and diagnosis