Equine Thermal Imaging Institute

Let's Look At The "INSIDE" Of Your Horse

FAQ's

WHAT IS THERMAL IMAGING?

Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera that measures heat rather than light. The camera detects areas of inflammation, circulation and lack of circulation.

Colors the camera displays range from white, for the center point of inflammation, to blues, where circulation is not present. The more thermal waves emitted, the hotter an area is.

The infrared camera is a hand held device, making it very flexible in its adaptive range of imagery. Hence, all animals can be viewed with greater ease.

A high percentage of injuries in animals are soft tissue in nature and can be detected in the animal from a 1-3 degree variance in changes in the body. Radiographs cannot detect this inflammation, but are, however, a compliment to this diagnostic.

HOW CAN THIS HELP MY HORSE OR OTHER ANIMALS?

Besides being able to detect problems of lameness, bad behavior, (due to pain in the body) thermal imaging has a unique property of being able to detect an impending problem that has not reached overt stages, i.e., it can show areas in the body that are stressed BEFORE any real damage occurs. This ability can save further injury, stop injury, save time, pain, and money to both the animal and their owners.

IS IT EXPENSIVE?

No, not compared to other diagnostics. A full Whole Horse Evaluation is $250. A Saddle Fit/Rider Position is $300. Compare to an MRI: $3,500 plus time, travel, and stress. This diagnostic is non-invasive, gives quick results and offers the owners a complete evaluation and suggested remedies for the problems located. The imaging can be done at your barn or training center, eliminating the stress of the animal having to be placed in areas which may cause stress.

Radiography can be used, but will not show soft tissue problems and centers, usually, on one particular area, NOT the whole horse.

MY HORSE IS FINE, SO WHY WOULD I CONSIDER HAVING THIS EVALUATION?

A horse, or other animal, can be “fine” one day, the next; change behavior or become lame. Thermal imaging is not only used to detect a problem that shows itself, but as a maintenance tool for  making sure there are no impending problems internally before competitions that would render the horse not performing at the top the his/her game.

For example, many lameness issues that owners believe to be located in the feet are, in fact, an injury or conformation issue, obtained higher up in the horse’s body, but not detected in other diagnostics. This is why imaging the entire body of the horse is necessary.

WHAT IS A SADDLE FIT/RIDER POSTION®  EVALUATION?

Equine Thermal Imaging Institute © 2007

An evaluation that is a MUST for the serious rider!  Images are taken of the imprint of the saddle used on your horse that will show unevenness in the way the saddle sits on the horse, causing pressure points and pain. Even if the saddle was custom designed for your horse, these problems can arise from the RIDER not being in balance with the horse, thereby causing even the best fitting saddle to be usurped by the rider being out of balance. The rider is imaged as well as the horse’s back to show these problems and how they can be corrected.

Please note: The Equine Thermal Imaging Institute developed this diagnostic with a top trainer versed in the bio-mechanics of movement in the horse and rider combination. ( See CASE STUDIES).

WHERE CAN I HAVE THESE EVALUATIONS DONE?

We are available to come to your private barn or training center for these services. Please contact us for additional information regarding appointments and regular maintenance schedules, at tsvr@psln.com or (530) 234-2117

CAN I PURCHASE A CAMERA FOR PERSONAL USE?

Yes, but evaluations of the images must be done by a veterinarian experienced in this diagnostic or, for Saddle Fit/Rider Position you can e-mail them to Shan de Wey, AETIT, CTI, GF, ES at tsvr@psln.com