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Equine veterinary journal2004; 36(4); 306-312; doi: 10.2746/0425164044890652

Reliability and repeatability of thermographic examination and the normal thermographic image of the thoracolumbar region in the horse.

Abstract: Thermographic imaging is an increasingly used diagnostic tool. When performing thermography, guidelines suggest that horses should be left for 10-20 mins to 'acclimatise' to the thermographic imaging environment, with no experimental data to substantiate this recommendation. In addition, little objective work has been published on the repeatability and reliability of the data obtained. Thermography has been widely used to identify areas of abnormal body surface temperature in horses with back pathology; however, no normal data is available on the thermographic 'map' of the thoracolumbar region with which to compare horses with suspected pathology. Objective: To i) investigate whether equilibration of the thermographic subject was required and, if so, how long it should take, ii) investigate what factors affect time to equilibration, iii) investigate the repeatability and reliability of the technique and iv) generate a topographic thermographic 'map' of the thoracolumbar region. Methods: A total of 52 horses were used. The following investigations were undertaken: thermal imaging validation, i.e. detection of movement around the baseline of an object of constant temperature; factors affecting equilibration; pattern reproducibility during equilibration and over time (n = 25); and imaging of the thoracolumbar region (n = 27). Results: A 1 degrees C change was detected in an object of stable temperature using this detection system, i.e the 'noise' in the system. The average time taken to equilibrate, ie. reach a plateau temperature, was 39 mins (40.2 in the gluteal region, 36.2 in lateral thoracic region and 40.4 in metacarpophalangeal region). Only 19% of horses reached plateau within 10-20 mins. Of the factors analysed hair length and difference between the external environment and the internal environment where the measurements were being taken both significantly affected time to plateau (P<0.05). However, during equilibration, the thermographic patterns obtained did not change, nor when assessed over a 7 day period. A 'normal' map of the surface temperature of the thoracolumbar region has been produced, demonstrating that the midline is the hottest, with a fall off of 3 degrees C either side of the midline. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that horses may not need time to equilibrate prior to taking thermographic images and that thermographic patterns are reproducible over periods up to 7 days. A topographical thermographic 'map' of the thoracolumbar region has been obtained. Conclusions: Clinicians can obtain relevant thermographic images without the need for prior equilibration and can compare cases with thoracolumbar pathology to a normal topographic thermographic map.
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Publication Date: 2004-05-28 PubMed ID: 15163036DOI: 10.2746/0425164044890652Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Validation Study

Summary

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The research investigates the reliability and repeatability of thermographic examinations in horses. It also studies the possible factors affecting the equilibration time and creates a topographic thermographic map of the thoracolumbar region. The study suggests that horses may not need time to adjust prior to thermographic imaging and that thermographic results can be consistent over periods of up to a week.

Aim of the Research

  • The primary objective of the research was to analyze if equilibration of the subject undergoing thermographic imaging was necessary and, if so, the amount of time required for this adjustment.
  • The study aimed to identify the factors that could influence the time needed for equilibration.
  • Another goal was to assess the repeatability and reliability of the thermographic technique.
  • The study also aimed to create a topographic thermographic map of the thoracolumbar region in horses for reference.

Methodology

  • The research involved a total of 52 horses.
  • Several investigations were carried out which included validation of thermal imaging, identifying factors influencing equilibration, reproducing patterns during and after equilibration, and imaging of the thoracolumbar region.

Results

  • The system was successful in detecting a 1-degree Celsius change in an object of stable temperature. This change indicates the level of ‘noise’ in the system.
  • The average time taken by horses to reach temperature equilibrium was about 39 minutes.
  • Only 19% of the horses reached the plateau within the recommended 10-20 minute range.
  • Factors such as hair length and difference between the external and internal environments significantly influenced the time to reach equilibrium.
  • The thermographic patterns obtained did not change during equilibration nor over a period of 7 days.
  • The study generated a ‘normal’ map of surface temperature of the thoracolumbar region, demonstrating that the midline is the hottest, with a temperature decrease of 3 degrees Celsius on either side.

Conclusions

  • The time for equilibration before thermal imaging might not be necessary in horses.
  • Thermographic patterns are stable and reproducible for up to a week.
  • The study successfully generated a thermal topographic map of the thoracolumbar region in horses.
  • Clinicians can obtain relevant thermographic images without necessitating equilibration and can compare cases with thoracolumbar pathology to a normal topographic thermographic map.

Cite This Article

APA
Tunley BV, Henson FM. (2004). Reliability and repeatability of thermographic examination and the normal thermographic image of the thoracolumbar region in the horse. Equine Vet J, 36(4), 306-312. https://doi.org/10.2746/0425164044890652

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 36
Issue: 4
Pages: 306-312

Researcher Affiliations

Tunley, B V
  • Queen's Veterinary School Hospital, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Madingley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire CB3 0ES, UK.
Henson, F M D

    MeSH Terms

    • Acclimatization / physiology
    • Animals
    • Female
    • Hair
    • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
    • Horse Diseases / pathology
    • Horses / anatomy & histology
    • Lumbar Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
    • Reference Values
    • Reproducibility of Results
    • Sensitivity and Specificity
    • Thermography / methods
    • Thermography / veterinary
    • Thoracic Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
    • Time Factors

    Citations

    This article has been cited 20 times.
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