to learn more about Thermal Imaging - Vetel Diagnostics

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The Global Leader in Infrared Cameras
T H E R M A C A M ®
I N F R A R E D C A M E R A
FOR EQUINE
PROFESSIONALS
| E X A M I N E | I D E N T I F Y | D I A G N O S E |

Every Equine Practitioner should have IR:
an invaluable tool for equine diagnosis
Infrared imaging is a widely proven technology, known
for both extreme sensitivity and high reliability.
As a diagnostic tool, thermal imaging is one of
the most innovative, non-invasive modalities
available to the veterinarian.
Stressed tissue often presents as a thermographic
abnormality prior to becoming structurally damaged.
A thermal exam provides highly accurate
diagnostic information that can enable the
veterinarian to detect, confirm, and document
many problems BEFORE the onset of serious injury.
As prey animals, horses have a highly evolved
instinct to mask pain and lameness in order to
appear less vulnerable in the wild. This can make
diagnosis all the more challenging for the practitioner.
Over the years improved technology, extensive
clinical research and experience have brought
thermography to a level which provides the veterinary
professional a newfound ability to locate medical
problems faster and proactively
IN CLINICAL PRACTICE, EQUINE
THERMOGRAPHY CAN:
• Provide a highly sensitive, early indicator of subtle
circulatory changes in soft tissue
• Reveal inflammatory reactions in joints and tendons
from two to six weeks prior to the clinical
appearance of lameness
• Allow the veterinarian to visualize neuro-vascular
changes including the effect of vaso-active substances.
LOCATING THE INJURY
3 Steps to Equine Thermography
1 Understanding
Equine Thermal
Imaging
THERMAL SYMMETRY IS THE RULE
• Changes of 1 degree centigrade or
more, over 25% of the comparable
anatomic area are cause for further
investigation.
UNDERSTANDING ARTIFACTS
• Clean body surface
• Uniform hair coat
• Feet picked out
• History of recent injections,
therapy, medications, etc.
• Has the horse recently been wrapped
• Any evidence of dermatitis, poultice
or blister on the skin
• Evidence of clipping or hair loss
• Scarring or areas of edema present
2
Implementing
Equine Thermal
Imaging in Your
Practice
• Perform after physical exam
• 10 – 15 minutes to complete
• Learn normal vascular patterns
• Use the horse as its’ own control
• Be aware of potential artifacts
• Focus on recognition of pathological
patterns of heat - don’t
worry about absolute
temperatures.
3
Achieve a
Successful Diagnosis
As part of the complete examination
thermal imaging can be a defining tool
in making an accurate diagnosis
Equine thermal imaging is a professional
diagnostic modality that gives the
veterinary professional the ability to
accurately measure, access and document
changes in circulatory patterns.
The result is an enhanced opportunity
for early intervention and therapy and
a chance to prevent crippling and
debilitating injuries.

Identify problems BEFORE they become
serious complications or injuries
Clinical evaluations have shown proven results. Here are just a few examples of how equine thermography
can identify clinical problems early on before serious complications occur.
Dorsal view of the croup
of a reining horse (fig. 1).
Complaint was the horse
resented circles to the left.
Note the thermal asymmetry
in the region of the gluteal
muscles.
Dorso-Plantar view of both
hocks (fig 2.).
Increased thermal emission
is noted in the region of the
Distal-Intertarsal and Tarsal
Metatarsal joints.
Both are abnormal,
with the right significantly
warmer than the left.
fig.1
fig. 2
Bilateral Carpitis in a
Rope horse (fig. 3).
Increased thermal
emission over the dorsal
aspects of the joints, and
lack of normal cooler
region in the area
of the extensor tendon.
Flexor apparatus
inflammation on
Left Front leg (fig. 4).
Thermal pattern is
consistent with Flexor
Tendonitis or Suspensory
Desmitis.
fig. 3 fig. 4
Normal dorsal view of
the stifle (fig 5).
The sharp demarcation
of temperature in the
vertical band over the
dorsal aspect of the joint
represents the normal
summation of reflected
heat seen in the medial
aspect of the stifle region
Abnormal dorsal view
of the stifle (fig. 6).
Fig. 6. lacks the
characteristic vertical
temperature band in the
center of the joint, and
the circular heat pattern
associated with the region
of the femoral-patellar joint.
fig. 5 fig. 6
Dorsal PA-oblique view
of the back (fig 7).
Compare the asymmetrical
contact pattern and
inflammation in the
region of the thoracic
dorsal spinous processes
with the contact pattern
apparent in Fig. 8
Thermal image of the
saddle following exercise
(fig. 8).
The thermal emissions on
the saddle correspond to the
contact region of the dorsal
view of the back in fig. 7.
along with the corrolating
asymmetry. Also note the
uneven flocking in the seat of
the saddle.
fig. 7 fig. 8

About FLIR Systems
With over 40 years experience and more
than 30,000 of its IR cameras in use, FLIR is
the undisputed global leader in infrared
systems. From industrial to military applications,
thermography professionals have
made FLIR their number one choice. No
other company offers such a wide range of
infrared cameras, software, service, training
and support.
FLIR’s ThermaCAM series of thermal imaging
cameras have long set the standard for
thermographic testing and analysis. Today
they are the most widely used non-contact
temperature measurement infrared cameras
in the world.
The Global Leaders in Infrared Cameras
FLIR Systems, Boston
Americas Thermography Center
16 Esquire Rd.
North Billerica, MA 01862
1-800-464-6372
www.flirthermography.com
Natanya Nieman DVM
Resident Veterinarian
WinStar Farm LLC, Versailles, KY
WinStar Farm uses Flir thermal imagingfor routine
monitoring of thier thoroughbred racing stable
INFRARED SUCCESS STORIES
Identifying the Causes of Diminished
Performance in Equine Practice
Jim Waldsmith , DVM, The Equine Center
Many horses are presented to our practice with a request to
define subtle changes in the horse's gait which are believed
to be associated with a decrease in the level of the horse's
athletic ability.
On clinical exam these horses are many times found to be
"body sore" resenting flexion and palpation in several areas
of their body. The lameness has not progressed to a head
bob or hip hike that can be blocked, yet the owner or trainer
is concerned that stress or injury exists that will effect the
horse's future performance.
In many of these cases the areas of pain and inflammation
are difficult to define and document clinically, and the use
of systemic anti-inflammatory medication is considered.
The risk in this therapeutic scenario is that symptoms may
be masked, and the source(s) of the diminished performance
remain unknown potentially leading to subsequent breakdown
in the horse.
After a complete clinical exam we find thermal imaging
allows a quick and noninvasive assessment of the entire
horse's body. Frequently areas of hoof imbalance, joint
inflammation and abnormal tack wear can all be quickly
identified. By simultaneously identifying and treating all
areas of abnormality and inflammation the horse's athleticism
is improved and risk of further injury diminished.
We have found this protocol to be very rewarding in
our practice producing both client satisfaction and
improvement in the athletic health of our equine patients.
The Use of Thermography
in Equine Medicine
Tracy Turner , DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
In equine practice, thermography can detect inflammatory
changes well in advance of other modalities, many times up
to two weeks prior to the onset of clinical lameness.
With tendonitis, a detectable rise in temperature occurs
prior to evidence of pain and swelling. As tendons heal,
temperatures become more uniform but remain elevated,
meaning thermal changes correlate well to structural
reorganization. In cases of capsulitis/synovitis, as the joint
becomes inflamed, the thermal pattern reveals an oval
area of inflammation just over the joint.
A particularly valuable use of Thermography is in detecting
muscle injury. In addition to locating inflammation within a
muscle or muscle group, atrophy can be detected before it
is clinically apparent, presenting as areas of consistent
decreased circulation and regional cooling when compared
to the opposite side. Likewise, nerve injury due to direct
trauma, secondary injury, or any disease that can affect blood
flow can also be visualized with thermography.
The uses in equine practice are endless:
• Pre-purchase examinations,
• Saddle fit,
• A training aid to avoid injury
(e.g., detecting hot shins before they buck),
• Hoof balance and concussion injuries
• Laminitis detection, and other foot diseases.
• Capsulitis /synovitis in joints,
• Tendonitis, (following tendon healing after injury),
• Detecting muscle injury, atrophy and strain
• Circulatory changes before and after exercise.
By utilizing Thermal Imaging, on a regular basis, in my
clinical practice I find I am more able to efficiently and
effectively locate both clinical and sub-clinical disease.
Jim Waldsmith
DVM, The Equine Center
Tracy Turner
DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS
"Thermography tells the
practitioner what he didn't
know he didn't know."
For Veterinary Thermal Imaging call
1 800 458-8890
or visit veteldiagnostics.com