Although most experienced horse owners are able to identify heat in a leg or foot, usually indicating inflammation, a pulled tendon or an abscess, there are often symptoms of discomfort or poor performance where the horse is showing no physical signs of injury. A human touch cannot identify changes in temperature of less than 2 degrees, however, a thermal camera can “see” and detect changes of less than 0.5 degree, making it easy to identify problem areas, where heat is not obvious to the touch. This is displayed as an instant, clear image on an LCD screen, enabling a diagnosis to be made and treatment carried out.

Used extensively in the equine world since the 1996 Olympic Games, infrared thermal imaging inspections are a quick non contact method of examining a horse to identify and locate the source of problems or injuries. Thermography as a science has many applications, but for horses has 3 main benefits:
Thermal imaging Inspection on a horse's kneePreventative:

*

Pre Purchase Inspection or Sale to confirm there are no "hidden" problems with the horse
*

Check saddle fitting and rider balance
*

Monitoring Competition horses during training to ensure that no undue stress is placed on the horse which may result in a potential injury

Diagnostic

*

Identify damaged tendons, ligaments, Navicular, laminitis and the source of non specific lameness
*

Musculoskeletal injuries
*

Easily examine the horse for tooth and jaw problems
*

Locate the source of miscellaneous strains, sprains and injuries

Treatment Monitoring

*

Monitor ongoing conditions to assess the level of improvement or deterioration during treatment
*

Monitor Hoof Maintenance and balance