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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2001; 162(3); 172-181; doi: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0618

The role of thermography in the management of equine lameness.

Abstract: Equine thermography has increased in popularity recently because of improvements in thermal cameras and advances in image-processing software. The basic principle of thermography involves the transformation of surface heat from an object into a pictorial representation. The colour gradients generated reflect differences in the emitted heat. Variations from normal can be used to detect lameness or regions of inflammation in horses. Units can be so sensitive that flexor tendon injuries can be detected before the horse develops clinical lameness. Thermography has been used to evaluate several different clinical syndromes not only in the diagnosis of inflammation but also to monitor the progression of healing. Thermography has important applications in research for the detection of illegal performance-enhancing procedures at athletic events.
Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.
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Publication Date: 2001-10-30 PubMed ID: 11681868DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2001.0618Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article discusses the increased use of thermography in managing lameness in horses. It covers improvements in thermal imaging technology and its importance in detecting and monitoring ailments such as inflammation and tendon injuries.

Role of Thermography

Thermography has become a beneficial tool in equine healthcare. The key principle behind this technology is how it:

  • Transforms surface heat into a visual display (thermogram).
  • Utilises colour gradients to represent heat emission variations.

Detecting Lameness and Inflammation

The research presents the advantages of thermography in detecting health issues in horses. Through the use of thermal imaging:

  • Detection of lameness and inflammations has become more accurate.
  • Sensitive units can identify flexor tendon injuries even before clinical signs of lameness appear.

Monitoring Progress of Healing

The authors emphasise the use of thermography not just in diagnosing injuries but also in monitoring horses’ healing process. The technique can provide:

  • Insight into the progression of recovery from injuries or inflammations.
  • Data that can help in refining treatments or adapting rehabilitative practices based on the healing progress.

Applications in Research and Sport Integrity

The authors also highlight the use of thermography in maintaining integrity in equestrian sports by:

  • Detecting any illegal performance-enhancing procedures in horse racing events.
  • Providing data that could be used to disqualify competitors who breach ethical standards.

Cite This Article

APA
Eddy AL, Van Hoogmoed LM, Snyder JR. (2001). The role of thermography in the management of equine lameness. Vet J, 162(3), 172-181. https://doi.org/10.1053/tvjl.2001.0618

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1090-0233
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 162
Issue: 3
Pages: 172-181

Researcher Affiliations

Eddy, A L
  • Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Van Hoogmoed, L M
    Snyder, J R

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Horse Diseases / diagnosis
      • Horses
      • Image Processing, Computer-Assisted
      • Lameness, Animal / diagnosis
      • Lameness, Animal / etiology
      • Software
      • Thermography / veterinary

      Citations

      This article has been cited 56 times.
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