Farming Express. Page 11
Equine Review
Infrared Thermography
Sandie Chambers from Equitherm
Training at Bush Green Farm, near
Bury St Edmunds, begins a new series
explaining the benefits and applications
of Equine and Veterinary Digital
Infrared Thermography, also known as
Thermal Imaging.
Infrared thermographic imaging is
a valuable tool in the monitoring of
the performing, injured or recovering
equine. It is often difficult in veterinary
medicine to make a true diagnosis of
injury, due to changing symptoms,
or the lack of visibly recognisable
symptoms. Add this to the patient’s
inability to communicate, and we
are faced with frustration for the vet,
trainer, therapist, farrier or equine
professional and disillusionment to the
client.
In a nutshell
heat generated from inflammation,
which allows direct visualisation and
measurement of areas of concern.
When there is an injury in the horse,
for example tendon injury or joint pain,
acute inflammation occurs. Infrared
thermography provides the horse owner
and the vet the opportunity to identify
and focus on the exact area for further
investigation.
Fast action
Early detection is crucial for effective
treatment and time is of the essence
- especially when it comes to sport
horses. Thermography has been
proven to detect damage in structures
up to three weeks before the horse
shows any clinical signs. Before a
structure, such as a tendon or ligament
`breaks down’ it undergoes a degree of
accumulative damage. This weakens
Equine thermography is a non-invasive the structure without the horse being
monitoring tool, that uses the very
actively lame and, when trained whilst
latest infrared imaging equipment and having this micro damage, they are
computer software to detect minute
more susceptible to serious injury.
differences in the horse’s thermal
Monitoring horses in training with
and neural condition, and allows us
thermography allows the veterinarian
to quickly and efficiently identify
to see this micro damage and, therefore,
trauma in an injured animal. Infrared prevent further serious injury.
thermography works by detecting the
Training is key
Equine thermography is an incredibly
useful diagnostic tool when used
by fully trained technicians and in
conjunction with veterinary surgeons.
As such, training is at the forefront of
everything we do. Like any diagnostic
or monitoring tool within the veterinary
industry, it takes knowledge of the
biological sciences, practical skill and
an understanding of the theory behind
the application to make the most of
the technology. It also means an
understanding of standardisation and
protocol is necessary to achieve reliable
and consistent results. Our licensed
technicians undergo a minimum
of a complex 18-month training
programme and always work with the
veterinarians for correct diagnosis.
It is currently important that anyone
hiring a thermographer checks out their
qualifications and experience before
investing in their services. Equitherm
trained technicians never make their
own diagnoses and always refer all
their cases to the vets for interpretation.
Sandie Chambers heads up Equitherm
Training, providing world class training
and ongoing support in the field of
Equine and Veterinary Digital Infrared
Thermography.
Established in 2004, Equitherm
Training is the most experienced
training provider in the world - having
trained over 800 Thermographers
worldwide, including FEI and worldclass vets - and has the most extensive
training programme.
Sandie is an equine sports scientist
and sports psychologist who is the
driving force behind Equitherm.
Having spent almost her entire career
in equine sports, Sandie is also a
seasoned equestrian, with extensive
knowledge in equestrian sports
performance for both horse and rider.
Sandie’s consultancy team has included
some of the industry’s top veterinary
professionals, including Dr Rachael
Murray from the Animal Health
Trust, renowned equine scientist Dr
David Martin and consultant vet Andy
Bathe from Rossdales and Partners who helped Equitherm develop their
standardisation in the early days.
Together with a team of highly
respected veterinarians, Sandie is
developing IVECTA - a governing
body for veterinary and equine certified
thermographers.