Evaluation of a thermal camera in measuring surface temperature in horses.

The research indicates that thermal cameras could be used to effectively monitor horses’ surface body temperatures, providing a non-invasive method for identifying potential diseases early. However, a comparison with standard infrared thermometers revealed some discrepancies and a tendency for the thermal camera to record higher temperatures.

Objective of the Study

• The study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a thermal camera in non-invasively measuring horses’ surface body temperatures, and to compare this method with the traditional infrared thermometer.

Sample and Methodology

• The sample consisted of 60 healthy horses (27 mares and 33 stallions) of an average age of 7.88 years and average weight of 466kg.
• Surface temperature measurements were taken at various sites on the horses’ bodies, including the neck, thorax, and coronary band.
• The timing of measurements was controlled to be taken between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m., and the environmental conditions were also monitored and controlled.
• The data gathered was analyzed to determine the correlation between measurements taken with the thermal camera and those done with a standard infrared thermometer.

Findings of the Study

• The study revealed strong correlations between the thermal camera and the infrared thermometer at the coronary band, with a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.81.
• There was also moderate correlation observed at the neck and thorax with the values of 0.53, and 0.67 respectively.
• However, the Bland-Altman method, a statistical approach for assessing agreement between two measurement techniques, indicated wide limits of agreement, particularly in the neck region. This suggests that there is considerable variability and potential discrepancy between the two methods in this specific body area.
• The study found that the thermal camera generally recorded higher temperatures than the infrared thermometer, suggesting a systematic bias in its readings.

Conclusion and Implications

• Despite the observed discrepancies, the moderate to strong correlation between the thermal camera and the infrared thermometer suggests that the former has potential to be used for tracking thermal trends and identifying localized temperature variations in horses.
• The researchers highlight the importance of careful calibration in order to ensure more accurate temperature readings with the thermal camera.