Veterinary Scanning Services

Equine Infrared Scan

Stop Guessing, Start Knowing

Before Thermography, veterinarians could only locate a problem with observation or palpatation. But with equine thermography, an abnormality – now called thermographic or infrared abnormality – can show tissue that’s stressed before the affected tissue becomes damaged.

The possibilities for thermography to demonstrate the greatest opportunities are in the equine hoof and early stages of founder or laminitis. Early detection of this life changing condition can certainly lead to a greater possibility of a positive outcome.

Our system is able to scan horses experiencing numerous problems including back soreness or lameness, poor saddle fit, and shoeing and hoof balance problems. Thermography is an excellent tool to scan horses for areas of increased heat, or inflammation, or decreased temperature from pathology or disuse, and can be used to locate soft tissue injuries often before they can be seen on physical examinations or x-rays.

• Pre-Purchase Imaging

• Pre-Race Imaging

• Hoof Balance Imaging

• Saddle Fit Imaging

• Track Footing Imaging

• Joint Inflammation Imaging

To make best preparations for a fantastic thermal equine evaluation the following is a guideline:

• No exposure to the sun or other direct heat at least 6 hours before evaluation
• No saddle, blankets or covers at least 6 hours before evaluation
• No vigorous exercise at least 2 hours before evaluation
• No farrier work at least 3 days before evaluation
• Remove all hoof boots and covers at least 2 hours before evaluation
• No coat clipping or significant grooming at least 3 days before evaluation
• No washing, hosing down or swimming at least 3 hours before evaluation

Ideally the coat should be free from mud and spoilage. The hoof should be as clean as is possible with no visible exterior mud or debris covering. Normal tack can be worn.

For the best evaluation the horse should be shown in a covered barn or stable with adequate lighting and ventilation. There should be no direct sunlight in the evaluation area. The horse will need an experienced handler that can maintain the horse position during evaluation. The process of thermographic evaluation is totally passive and there will be no clicks, bangs, flashes or noises associated with the evaluation to startle the horse.

The preceding conditions are an ideal. We can still carry out thermal evaluations in your environment. We appreciate that these ideal conditions cannot always be met and we can certainly accommodate.