Introduction to Infrared Thermography

Every object radiates electromagnetic energy invisible to the human eye but visible to specialized Thermal Imagining devices.They produce a map of colors or varying shades that show surface temperatures of the object. The higher colors, or shades, represent the warmest temperatures and darker colors represent the coolest temperatures. When analyzing images, problem areas are identified and recorded with related temperature information.

Thermal Imaging lets you see heat. Thermal energy/IR spectrum is transmitted in the infrared wavelength (1 micron to 100 microns). You see the image above the thermal energy related to visible light in that it travels in a wave. The human eye can only see the narrow middle band of the visible light that encompasses all the colors of light in the rainbow. Thermo infrared imaging performs in a wider range than night vision technologies. IR devices can inspect at night or in broad daylight.

Thermography is now used in many applications and IR testing can assist veterinarians in diagnosing problems and monitoring treatment processes.

Thermal infrared cameras offer the equine world a non-invasive tool that detects variations in heat and provides images to pin point problem areas in your animal.

Having the ability to see inflammation earlier than you could have detected it before, allows treatment during early stages of injury preventing more serious longer term problems.

Thermal infrared cameras are not only a diagnostic tools for equine medicine but also have a multitude of additional applications within the horse industry. Infrared cameras can detect injuries, hoof abscesses, vertebral, muscle, ligament, tendon, bone injuries, joint diseases, and other inflammations. Infrared detection can start as early as 2 weeks before evidence of clinical signs develop.

WHEN SELLING OR BUYING HORSES

When buying or selling a horse, infrared cameras can provide scientific evidence as to whether a horse is sound and potential problem areas can be demonstrated to a buyer or seller.

TRAINING A HORSE WITH IR TECHNOLOGY

Horse Trainers can use IR Imagining to evaluate their training and conditioning program.

IR Cameras can help perfect saddle fit and maintain hoof balance before developing abscesses or navicular.

Thermal imaging provides data on muscle inflammation before , during, and after workout. This better allows you to work your horse, push your horse, or rest without causing injury.

Applications also include diagnosing tendinitis, healing viewing muscle injury muscle atrophy and muscle strain.

Usually, after a problem is discovered, the veterinarian will assess the injury by the use of X-rays, ultrasound, scintigraphy, general health diagnostics, lameness detection, wound assessment, dental imaging inflammation detection, as well as additional methods.

Infrared Technology is valuable and welcomed addition to equine diagnostics.