Infrared Thermography. Is it worth doing?

[spacie1977]

Has anyone here had Infrared Thermography on their horse by someone other than a vet, and found anything really helpful? And if so, how has it benefited you and your horse?
I'm just interested to hear your stories because I've seen someone advertising they can visit yards with their gadget. Are the technicians performing Infrared Thermography highly qualified professionals and regulated by some sort of organisation? Or could it just be Joe Blogs from down the pub, after having attended a week long course in how to take pretty pictures?
What I really want to know is whether they possess the skills to identify a horse has a particular problem previously undetected by a vet? I suppose if they could pinpoint a problem you could then get the vet to fully investigate it, which would reduce vet fees in the long run, as well as speed up the horses recovery.

 

[gunnergundog]

I have had thermography done on a number of my horses over the years but only by a vet, as part of the diagnostics for a lameness/loss of performance work up. Yes, it was worth it and helped pin point areas of concern. In relation to the other 'tools' that a vet can use as diagnostics thermography is/was cheap.

I am also aware of others who have had thermography carried out by other so-called professionals. Some have been cheap as chips and way off the mark; others have got the general area of concern correct but then it was necessary to refer to a vet who wanted to verify the findings with his own tools! So, you get a double whammy on the costs....paying both the vet and the thermographer.

Personally, I wouldn't bother with anyone other than a vet. If your vet doesn't have thermography equipment then he is not a specialist equine practice so I would ask for a referral if you are struggling with diagnostics.

 

[Auslander]

If your vet doesn't have thermography equipment then he is not a specialist equine practice so I would ask for a referral if you are struggling with diagnostics.

Thermography isn't widely used by vets, so not having the equipment in practice doesn't mean they are not a specialist equine practice.

 

[PorkChop]

I've only had it done by a Vet, it is really important that the person that reads the images is experienced.

 

[budatiger]

Yes, if done by a qualified and experienced thermographer. Standardisation and protocols are very important to get valid images. The thermographer analyses images looking for asymmetries and unusual thermal patterns. They cannot diagnose. They can only highlight areas that are unusual which may be suggestive of pathology. The vet can then use the information to do further investigations. Artefacts are easily produced if correct horse prep and environmental control is not undertaken.

 

[gunnergundog]

Thermography isn't widely used by vets, so not having the equipment in practice doesn't mean they are not a specialist equine practice.

In my experience it is; whether they choose to offer it though is another matter. My main vets have had thermography since early 90s. Other practices locally also have - certainly this century.

 

[Auslander]

In my experience it is; whether they choose to offer it though is another matter. My main vets have had thermography since early 90s. Other practices locally also have - certainly this century.

I don't disagree that some practices have it and use it, or that there is a place for it, when carried out properly, in early stage diagnostics. I was just surprised to see it stated that not having the kit meant that a practice was not considered to be a specialist equine practice. Many equine vets don't feel the need to add thermography to their arsenal of diagnostic skills, doesnt mean that they are not highly skilled equine specialists.

 

[gunnergundog]

Point taken! Peace!

 

[Auslander]

Point taken! Peace!

I shall unruffle my feathers forthwith! ;-)

 

[Auslander]

Yes, if done by a qualified and experienced thermographer. Standardisation and protocols are very important to get valid images. The thermographer analyses images looking for asymmetries and unusual thermal patterns. They cannot diagnose. They can only highlight areas that are unusual which may be suggestive of pathology. The vet can then use the information to do further investigations. Artefacts are easily produced if correct horse prep and environmental control is not undertaken.

Perfect answer btw!

 

[Archie73]

My vets don't use it but they were one of the team vets and hospital for the 2012 games. The actual vet in question (partner in practice and treating) said it was not a worthwhile diagnostic tool.

I tried it anyway. Would not bother again too any variables in getting the images done so they give a true reading.

 

[popsdosh]

My vets don't use it but they were one of the team vets and hospital for the 2012 games. The actual vet in question (partner in practice and treating) said it was not a worthwhile diagnostic tool.

I tried it anyway. Would not bother again too any variables in getting the images done so they give a true reading.

If it was such a great Diagnostic tool why does not all Vet practices have one?? Especially as they are very cheap compared to the other equipment they use! The people offering these services have just found an opening to try and extract some money from the equine market were they dont need any qualifications. Lets be honest you just end up spending more as even if they find something you still have to get a vet to properly diagnose the problem. They work in a way Very similar to barefoot trimmers who somehow get away with charging a lot more than a fully qualified farrier to trim a horses foot . What they charge is usually in direct proportion to the bull s**t they come out with.

 

[BethH]

I agree with Archie and also suspect I have the same vet! There are a lot of natural hot spots on a horse which could make life confusing!

 

[ihatework]

I had one done on a complicated horse and it was IMO poor.
It didn't pick up any of the areas that the full veterinary whammy later picked up.
It did show one hock completely blue indicating nerve damage, but then we knew there was that because the horse had a string halt

 

[luckilotti]

I've had it done by an individual that has her own company so cheaper compared to some of the larger thermography companies who sell the franchises (hence costs are high!).

I found it £85 VERY well spent. My KWPN had been lame on and off, the vets had ruled a lot out, farrier didnt feel it was in her hoof. After many vet visits for her (after trying box rest etc etc), they wanted her to go in for nerve blocks - discussions had taken place of her needing them from her hoof right upto her shoulder.... now that COULD have been very expensive for me. The thermal imagining pin pointed her pastern as the area of interest and that cut out the need for potentially a lot of nerve blocks as the vet knew which are to then focus on.

What i DIDNT like about the experience was when calling the various companies for quotes for it - some from the larger national organisations slated others so badly - which i find VERY unprofessional. They also were claiming there service was better as it included a vets report BUT... why would i pay over £450 for the same images to be taken... just to get a report also done by a vet who has been sent the images..... IMO, a vet to do a TRUE report would have to actually examine the horse, see the lameness etc. Anyway - thats my little rant about that over!

Would i have it done again - yep, with no hesitation

 

[Tnavas]

A really worthwhile extension to diagnostics - we've had it here in NZ since late 80's - have the session videoed and then pass on to the vet - its amazing what it can pick out that just cannot be found with normal vet examination. I've used it many times with horses not performing as expected and found sore areas that you wouldn't have known existed.