Equine BodyWorks USA 

 

Revealing Affliction.  Reducing Discomfort.  Improving Movement & Performance.™

 

See What Your Horse Feels with Infrared Thermal Imaging

Watch the Video Above of EquineIR's Peter Hopkins with John Lyons, America's Most Trusted Horseman, at the 2010 World Equestrian Games

INFRARED: IN THE NEWS

 

July/August 2012

Equine Wellness Magazine features Thermography article by Dr Joanna Robson

Click Magazine Cover for Article

November/December 2011

EquineIR Featured in

Today's Equestrian

Read article here

 

April 2011

Infrared Technology for Horses Featured in Today's Equestrian

Click Magazine Cover for Article

We are a proud member EquineIR™, an Internatinal Network of Certified Thermographers trained in the Application of Equine Thermography:

Our Client Reports contain detailed graphic interpretations of our scans and veterinary evaluations conducted by InterpretIR, a network of farriers and veterinarians specializing in Thermography and affiliated with Integrated Equine Infrared.

Learn about Dr. Joanna Robson, Technical Director to EquineIR and Integrated Equine Infrared, and auther of Recognizing the Horse in Pain...and What You Can Do About It at Inspiritus Equine, Inc.

What Is Thermal Imaging?

All things we come in contact with in daily life emit infrared energy that we cannot see, in the same way the sun emits UV rays not visible to us.

With Thermal Imaging, an infrared detecting camera is used to read radiant heat emitted by an object or animal and to create a graphic map of the radiant heat coming from the skin's surface.  This Thermal Image gives a visual depiction of underlying circulatory levels of the body, providing an objective view of the subjective feeling of pain, giving you the ability to see what your horse feels.


Diagnostic imaging modalities may be divided into anatomic and physiologic. Anatomic imaging such as x-ray, pinpoints anatomic structures affected, but only gives a static image of the disease process and does not have the ability to see soft tissue conditions.


Thermal imaging is a physiologic imaging modality which detects changes in blood flow and metabolism, and has the ability  not only to see tissue conditions but can also recognize areas that are indicative of anatomical issues.


Equine Thermal Imaging is:

  • Non-Invasive and completely safe (No harmful radiation)
  • Fast, taking about 20 - 30 minutes for a full horse scan
  • Scans are done at your location, you won’t have to trailer
  • Reports are reviewed and interpreted by a Veterinarian specialized in Equine Thermography
  • Costs are reasonable and include Veterinary interpretation.
  • Discounts are available for multiple horses at the same location


Case Study:

In the image above, Thermal Imaging detected nerve damage in the Right Front Leg in a horse that showed no lameness or diagnositc changes in this affected leg, but which had been demonstrating compensatory lameness in the Left Front Leg.





Why Thermal Imaging?

Used extensively in the equine world since the 1996 Olympic Games, infrared thermal imaging inspections are a safe, cost effective, quick and non-contact method of examining a horse to identify and locate the source of problems or injuries.


Infrared thermal imaging is a complementary tool to be used in conjuction with your veterinarian's services.  It is beneficial for use in these 3 areas: Preventative Screening, Diagnostic Identification & Treatment Monitoring.


Preventative Screening:
  • Pre-Purchase Inspection to confirm no hidden problems
  • Analyze saddle fit
  • Monitor competition horses during training to identify lesions or soft tissue problems up to 3 weeks prior to onset of symptoms

Diagnostic Identification:

• Source of non-specific lameness

• Miscellaneous strains, sprains and injuries

• Circulatory problems

• Infection/abscesses
• Suspensory ligament tears
• Tendon tears

• Nerve damage
• Sacroiliac problems

• Kissing spine, other primary spinal lesions
• Cervical problems

• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Musculoskeletal injuries, pulls, tears, strains, avulsions
• Damage from ill-fitting saddles and tack, imbalanced riders
• Hoof problems – ringbone, laminitis, imbalanced hooves

 

Treatment Monitoring:
  • Of ongoing conditions to assess improvement or deterioration during treatment
  • Of hoof lameness, maintenance and balance

Case Study:
In the image above, Thermal Imaging detected a cannon bone fracture in a young horse showing no lamenes and scheduled to race the following week.  Following routine thermal imaging, the horse was x-rayed and a fracture was confirmed.  The horse was layed up; she subsequently went on to win The Breeder's Cup.

Our Services

Using the latest FLIR Infrared Imaging equipment, Becky Tenges travels to you to conduct Thermal Imaging scans. Our travel to your location eliminates any need for the horse to travel, leaving them relaxed and stress-free in their own surroundings. Thermal Imaging is a non-invasive procedure, much like taking a video of your horse, that we carry out in 20 - 30 minutes.

Equine patient preparation is key to assuring high quality Thermal Images. So, we work closely with you to ensure that you know the protocol to follow prior to our arrival at your farm to scan your horse.

We offer the following services:  

Whole-Horse Scans
  • 30 strategic images are taken of the horse’s body and hooves
  • Images are uploaded to our Network Veterarians for analysis
  • Images reveal primary physical issues, the potential effects, and additional diagnostic steps to take with your local veterinarian
 
Saddle Fit Scans
  • Bridging, rocking, balance, friction and pressure points revealed
  • Studies show that the majority of saddles don't fit. Thermal imaging can show you.
  • 30 - 40 minutes in duration

Vet Analysis and Reporting
  • Images are analyzed by veterinarian trained in thermography
  • Report contains an overview letter, image-by-image analysis,  identification of problems and asymmetries, and detailed recommendations to your local veterinarian for follow-on diagnostic steps and a treatment plan, if appropriate.
  • Report arrives in 36-72 hrs. 24-hr service is available.
  • Vet-to-Vet consultation is  available if desired.

Case Study:

In the image above, Thermal Imaging was used during a live action assessment on a horse with non-specific hind end lameness.  A stifle lesion was identified while the horse was being lunged.



Image of a Sample Report with Veterinary Interpretation