About Thermal Infrared Imaging
If you are a horse owner, trainer, or rider, you know how important it is to keep your horse healthy and sound. But how can you detect problems or injuries before they become serious or cause lameness? One of the most effective and non-invasive ways to monitor your horse's health is thermal infrared imaging (IRT).
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What is Thermal Infrared Imaging?
Thermal infrared imaging is a technique that uses an infrared camera to measure the temperature of your horse's body surface. The camera detects the infrared radiation emitted by your horse's skin, which reflects the blood flow and circulation in the underlying tissues. The camera then converts the infrared radiation into a colour image, where different colours represent different temperatures.
Benefits of Thermal Infrared Imaging for Horses
Establishing a baseline of your horse's health: By taking regular thermal images of your horse, you can have a reference point of what is normal and healthy for your horse. This can help you detect any changes or abnormalities in your horse's thermal pattern over time.
Providing early warning signs of problems or injuries: Thermal infrared imaging can reveal areas of inflammation, pain, injury, or stress in your horse's body before they become visible or cause lameness. For example, thermal imaging can detect changes in the tendons, ligaments, joints, muscles, bones, or nerves up to three weeks before clinical signs occur. This can help you prevent further damage or complications by taking appropriate actions.
Pinpointing the exact location of problems or injuries: Thermal infrared imaging can show you where your horse is hurting. This can help you diagnose the problem accurately and treat it effectively.
Monitoring treatment progress and recovery: Thermal infrared imaging can also help you evaluate how your horse is responding to treatment and healing from injury. By comparing thermal images taken before and after treatment, you can see if there is any improvement or deterioration in your horse's condition. You can also use thermal imaging to determine when your horse is ready to return to work or competition by checking if the injured area is stable and stress-free.
Evaluating saddle fit, hoof balance, dental issues, and more: Thermal infrared imaging can also help you assess other aspects of your horse's health and performance that may affect his well-being and comfort. For example, thermal imaging can show you if your saddle is fitting properly and not causing pressure points or soreness on your horse's back. Thermal imaging can also show you if your horse's hooves are balanced and healthy. Thermal imaging can even help you detect dental issues that may cause pain or infection in your horse's mouth.
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How to Use Thermal Infrared Imaging for Your Horse?
Thermal infrared imaging is a simple and safe procedure that does not require any contact with your horse or any sedation. However, there are some factors that you need to consider to ensure accurate and reliable results:
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Environmental conditions: The temperature and humidity of the environment can affect the thermal images of your horse. Therefore, it is recommended to take thermal images indoors, away from direct sunlight, wind, rain, or snow. The room temperature should be stable and comfortable for your horse.
Preparation of your horse: Your horse should be clean and dry before taking thermal images. Any dirt, sweat, oil, or water on your horse's skin can alter the thermal pattern and cause false readings. You should also remove any blankets, bandages, boots, tack, or other equipment from your horse at least an hour before taking thermal images.
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Professional interpretation: Although thermal images are easy to obtain, they are not easy to interpret. You need a trained and experienced thermographer to analyze the thermal images of your horse and provide a report with findings and recommendations.
Thermal Infrared Imaging is a powerful tool that can help you keep your horse healthy and sound. It can provide you with valuable information about your horse's health status, detect problems or injuries early, pinpoint their location and cause, monitor treatment progress and recovery, evaluate saddle fit, hoof balance, dental issues, and more. Thermal infrared imaging is simple, safe, non-invasive, and stress-free for your horse. However, you need to follow some guidelines to ensure accurate and reliable results and consult a professional thermographer for interpretation and advice. If you are interested in thermal infrared imaging for your horse, contact me today and discover the benefits of this amazing technology.