[Diagnostic validity of thermography of lameness in horses].

This research focuses on the use of thermography, specifically infrared thermography camera “Thermovision 470”, as a diagnostic tool for identifying lameness in horses, particularly in the distal forelimb including the carpus. The study found significant temperature differences between the left and right limbs in horses with specific diseases, suggesting the potential utility of this non-invasive diagnostic tool when combined with thorough clinical examination.

Thermography Examination and Analysis

• The study involved 36 horses free from lameness and 119 horses exhibiting lameness in the distal forelimb, including the carpus. All of these were evaluated through an infrared thermography camera named “Thermovision 470”.
• The research team also created a software program that would help analyze the data collected from the thermographic images. This program was used to determine differences in temperature between corresponding regions of the left and right forelimbs.
• The temperature differences generated a parameter for skin temperature that didn’t rely on the surrounding environment’s temperature.

Temperature Difference Observations

• In horses free from lameness, the skin temperature was symmetric between both limbs. There wasn’t any significant difference in temperature between their left and right limbs, illustrating a baseline for healthy horses.
• However, for horses suffering from specific diseases such as navicular disease, pododermatitis, and tendopathia, the study observed a significant temperature difference in all regions compared to the lameness-free horses.
• Horses diagnosed with coffin bone fracture and arthropathia also showed significant temperature difference in almost all regions as compared to the control group.
• Horses with laminitis and periostitis didn’t present a substantial difference in temperature, indicating that thermography might be less effective in these specific conditions.

Thermography for Lameness Diagnosis

• The research concluded that thermography is effective in showing and quantitatively proving changes in skin temperature associated with forelimb lameness in horses, making it a potential effective diagnostic tool.
• However, it’s essential to note that thermography shouldn’t be deployed as a standalone diagnostic method for lameness. Instead, it should be used in conjunction with a comprehensive clinical examination, including additional examination procedures.