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 animal shows no physical signs of injury. A human touch cannot identify changes in temperature of less than 2-3 degrees, however, a thermal camera can “see” and detect changes of less than 0.1 degree, making it easy to identify problem areas where heat is not obvious to the touch. This is displayed as an instant, clear image enabling a diagnosis to be made and prompt treatment carried out.

A thermal inspection is a non-contact technique that provides a pictorial representation of the surface temperature of the horse’s body. Both sides of the horse’s body should have the same thermal patterns exhibiting a “symmetry”. Hot or cool areas can be abnormal, indicating inflammation, neurological injury, poor blood flow, or infection.

The procedure only takes a few minutes, during which time the thermographer examines the horse thoroughly with the camera. The horse is not touched during the inspection, making it ideal for young or nervous horses. The results of the inspection are instantaneous, and a complete report is provided so that a more exact diagnosis can be made by the horse’s health team.

Used extensively since 1996 and approved by many veterinary practices as a valuable aid to assist in diagnosis, the infrared inspection is carried out at the yard where the horse is kept. This ensures that the horse is relaxed and minimizes any stress.

As a form of “preventative medicine”, thermography has proven to be extremely valuable during fitness training of performance and competition horses. Periodic inspections can be used to monitor performance throughout their training schedules. Thermal imaging can identify any undue strains being placed upon the horse that can affect its performance or cause serious injury. Thermal imaging will assist the trainer and farrier to identify how a horse is landing and if weight is being distributed evenly.

Are you sure the saddle is a correct fit? Even though the saddle may have originally been fitted to the horse at the time of purchase, as the horse’s body develops and changes through training and conditioning, the fit of the saddle will also change.

A thermal image will show the effects of the saddle on the horse’s back as well as the rider’s balance. Use your inspection report with your saddler and ensure your horse receives the best saddle fit.

Any owner or trainer considering the purchase a horse can benefit from an infrared inspection, even if the history of the horse is known. Thermal imaging provides current information regarding the horse’s overall condition. The camera highlights areas of concern and can identify problems that could be “masked” by anti-inflammatory drugs.

Infrared imaging is particularly helpful with difficult to detect problems such as non-specific lameness.

The camera is able to accurately locate heat anomalies in the leg or hoof, where excessive heat could possibly indicate a strain or infection. Cooler areas are often indications of poor blood flow.

A clean dry horse, free from mud, with clean hooves, will produce the best result. For a minimum of one hour before the scan, keep the horse indoors. Do not brush the horse and remove any blankets and boots or bandages so that the horse’s body temperature can normalize. The inspection can be carried out in the horse’s own stable, or in an enclosed area, regardless of the existing light levels.

A regular thermal hoof inspection can also be a valuable aid for your farrier or veterinarian. Ongoing treatment and its effects can be regularly checked providing the farrier with a visual aid for monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and allowing changes to be made as the case progresses.