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Infrared imaging is particularly helpful with difficult
to detect problems such as non specific lameness.
Because there are so many different diagnoses to be
made, finding the source of a problem, ensures that the
correct treatment can take place from the start. The
thermal camera can confirm whether there are heat
anomalies in the leg or hoof, whether there is excessive
heat possibly indicating an abscess, or cooler areas,
often the symptoms of poor blood flow
Case Study
 Monty
is a 16.2hh Hunter, who does not show any obvious signs of
lameness, but when at rest stands with all his weight on
the off side fore leg. He is also very temperamental
when mounted.
The thermal image shows just under 10 degrees difference
in temperature between the two forelegs, indicating a
poor blood flow to the nearside fore, and possible nerve
damage. His hind legs were also examined for comparison
purposes, and found to be a similar temperature to the
offside fore.
Monty is currently under further investigation with the
vet.
How Thermal Imaging can help Hoof Problems, both New and
Ongoing
A thermal inspection can also be a valuable aid to
assist with shoeing and foot balancing. Farriers are
starting to use thermography to look at the changes that
occur in a horse’s foot, and are developing methods of
balancing and shoeing based on these results.
Ongoing treatment and its effects can be regularly
checked providing the Farrier with a visual method of
monitoring the effectiveness of treatment and allowing
changes to be made as the case progresses.
Because the hoof wall is a solid object it is not always
easy to determine changes that are happening within the
foot, and very often the first indication that there is
a problem is when the horse goes lame. An infrared
inspection can quickly detect areas within the foot that
are showing abnormalities in temperature. Abnormal
heat in a specific area can indicate an abscess and the
thermal image can easily locate its source.
Abnormal heat across the whole hoof can often indicate
excessive blood flow and the onset of laminitis.
Research based on thermography findings is also being
carried out which will enable further understanding on
problems in the feet caused by laminitis which has
profound effects on the blood flow to the foot.
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