Oral Tumour (Epulis) in a Dog | Canine Thermography

An uninsured nine year old Labrador bitch, referred by Oxfordshire based veterinary hospital presented with an ulcerating epulis in the left commisure of mouth - MRI costs were prohibitive.
Thermal Imaging showed the extent of the mass prior to de-bulking (in conjunction with lateral and ventral views), and the spot temperature readings confirmed that there was a significantly increased temperature reading in the area consistent with the increased vasculature seen in a malignant growth.

Kissing Spine in a Horse | Kissing Spine Detection

A 5 year old mare presented with extreme rearing vice under saddle. Query whether due to over exuberance and attitude or physiological condition. Referred by Lambourn-based practice.
Following two weeks of rest, Thermal Imaging of the dorsal area showed significant hot spots remained around spinal processes, combined with warm nerve root signatures (intersecting horizontal lines overlying branches of the spinal cord). X-rays of the area confirmed Kissing Spine.

Subchondral Bone Cyst in a Horse | Equine Thermography

Nine month old filly referred by owner for routine thermal imaging ahead of in-hand championships. Sub-clinical lameness, exhibited as a loss of showy action when turned-out, with query as to whether this was due to bruising from a lodged stone or kick above knee the previous week.
Thermal Imaging showed a significant hot spot in the pastern. Report immediately referred back to owner’s West Midlands Equine Hospital, who attended for clinical examination the following day.
x-rays of the area indicated a rare Subchondral Bone Cyst and filly referred to specialist for surgery. Prognosis excellent; early intervention removed need to graft bone, and only a 1cm scar in the area remains.
Six monthly sessions of thermal imaging booked to pinpoint any others areas where cysts may have developed and x-rays may be required.

Joint Inflammation in a Horse | Equine Thermography

A 6 year old BSJA Newcomers gelding presented with reduced performance and uncharacteristic refusing. Referred by a Midlands based veterinary hospital for full anatomical scan.
Thermal Imaging of the plantar tarsus identified inflammation (left). Inflammation is denoted by a ring of increased temperature encircling the affected joint.

A 13 year old Novice eventer presented with reduced performance XC and was referred by a Welsh equine hospital for full anatomical scan.
Thermal Imaging of the dorsal gaskin identified inflammation in the stifle, which couldn’t yet be felt by hand. Remedial exercise programme and anti-inflammatories were prescribed.

Our Thermal Imaging Camera is more than 40 times more sensitive than the human hand in detecting temperature differentials - These early stages were imperceptible.

Dermatomes in a Horse | Equine Thermography

Areas of unusual colour banding on the legs, called dermatomes, were present on this six year old Hafflinger’s legs. She was failing to track-up properly. These indicated that one or more of the branches of her spinal cord were being constricted, with the pinched nerve sending out a signal to the part of the body it controls to vasoconstrict. This was resolved through chiropractic treatment. You can read more about Horse Nerve Damage and Injury on our website.

Muscular Wasting (Atrophy) in Dogs and Horses

When the familiarity of a uniform hair coat colour is replaced by the palette of the thermal imaging camera, it’s far easier to see areas of Muscle Wastage or  Muscular Atrophy, which are also denoted by cooler temperature readings.

On the left, a 3 year old Jack Russlell Terrier suffering from a locking left patella, referred by West Midlands Veterinary Surgery for objective monitoring of his physiotherapy through bi-annual scans.

On the right, a  13 year old Belgian Warmblood all-rounder, referred by Welsh Veterinary Hospital to monitor progress of physiotherapy treatment after manipulation of his back under sedation.

Subclinical Tendon Lesion in a Horse | Equine Thermography

Using Thermal Imaging for a preventative approach and performance enhancement, routine tendon scanning of a showjumper in Oxfordshire highlighted the beginnings of a tendon lesion before clinical signs were evident (note: horses mask pain for approximately three weeks before exhibiting external signs through innate behavioural response to the threat of predation¹).
Referred back to Veterinary Practice, and resolved through a prescriptive exercise regime over 3 weeks, and without the need for box rest. You can find out more information on our website about Horse Tendon problems.

¹Thermographic assessment of racing Thoroughbreds. TA Turner J Pansch J Wilson. Proc Conference on Equine Sports Medicine and Science 2002 p207

Horse Saddle Fitting and Hoof Balance | Equine Thermography

Narrow, bridging and wide saddles are all routinely identified in a full Thermal Imaging session.

The saddle doesn’t have to be ridden in, just girthed up to obtain the image. Those areas in greatest contact with the horse’s back produce more friction and heat. Corresponding patterns are usually observed on the dorsal view of the horse. Our Saddle Fitting page has more information on how Thermal Imaging can help your Saddler.

The same theory applies for hoof balance, where more pressure is exerted through the hoof wall, greater temperature readings are observed. The colour bands should be even across the hoof. You can learn more about this on our Hoof Balance page and see how we can work in conjunction with your Farrier.

Intermittent Lameness of a Dog | Canine Thermography

Uninsured 9 year old cocker spaniel, with intermittent lameness. Owner felt that that problem was in the left hind. General x-rays of the limb were inconclusive, MRI scanning was cost prohibitive.
Referred for Thermal Imaging by a Swindon Veterinary Hospital, which highlighted the problem to actually be in the right hind, within the aponeurosis of the adductus. Ordinarily the animal should be thermally symmetrical, deviation from this indicates an underlying problem.
With the problematic area pinpointed, and using the dynamic image function of the camera during the clinical examination to direct the vet to the seat of the inflammation, this could then be felt on careful palpation.
Condition resolved with metacam, physio and remedial exercise programme, no further diagnostic tests or expense on the owners part required.