Coat Of Many Colors: Cases In Equine Thermal Imaging

By Joanna L. Robson, DVM

Infrared cameras have improved, procedures have been standardized, and veterinarians have become familiar with interpretation of the images. Thermal imaging is finding a niche in diagnosing mystery lamenesses, scanning horses at pre-purchase evaluations, aiding farriers with hoof pathology and imbalances, addressing saddle-fitting problems, and providing both baselines and serial documentation of equine health and lameness. A case-based approach to the technology provides evidence of its vast uses and tremendous sensitivity in equine medicine.