Equine Thermography: What is it?

Equine Thermography is a non-invasive monitoring tool that uses the very latest infrared imaging equipment and computer software to detect minute differences in the horses thermal and neural condition. There is no harmful radiation involved; an infrared camera detects infrared waves (that are invisible on the spectrum to our human eye) and converts them to an image we can see called a Thermogram. The infrared waves are seen as surface heat, and in biological systems, where there is increased heat, there is increased circulation, increased circulation can be connected with inflammation, as blood is rushing to the area in a rehabilitation effort.

Great for detecting:

1. Lameness localization
2. Saddle fitting
3. Shoeing and farrier applications
4. Product research
5. Infectious diseases screening
6. Monitoring healing
7. Equine welfare and sports

How does it work?

When Thermograms show a hot spot, that may indicate inflammation or increased circulation. Hot spots generally are seen in the skin directly overlying an injury that may have caused swelling. On the other end, chronic conditions may cause nerve damage, scarring, and more, which could cause the area to become cooler. A cold spot is a reduction in blood supply, usually due to swelling, thrombosis or scar tissue. Most horses don’t just have one problem associated with a lameness, and Thermography helps aid in detecting the secondary areas with problems. Thermography also can be used to assess the vasculature and blood flow to tissues before and after exercise. As technology has significantly improved, the cost has also greatly decreased, meaning that thermal cameras are now more affordable additions to today’s veterinary practices. It is a safe, cost effective method for client and practitioner; quick to perform and reliable in experienced hands. Before Thermography, Veterinarians could only locate problems using traditional methods such as observation and palpation. The addition of Thermography to these traditional methods helps provide better and more accurate care for our animals.

Alternative Relief for Inflammation

For when your Thermograms come back showing inflammation, Benefab by Sore No-More offers a full line of products for rehabilitation of the equine body. For body swelling, the SmartScrim is extremely beneficial. Recently, we were able to prove a significant reduction in back pain over 6 weeks in moderate to high exercise horses with its use. The SmartScrim works by stimulating blood circulation, which in turn helps heal and decrease inflammation. For neck and shoulder swelling, the SmartHood offers the same targeted technology along the neck and poll. For lower leg inflammation, the QuikWraps offer the same targeted technology as well, but for the canon bones. The wraps also feature a two-piece design, which offers versatile placement of the inner layer for coverage up over the knee, or down over the coronary band.