Equine Thermography in Practice

Chapter 1: Principles of Equine Thermography

• • 1.1 Thermography
• • 1.2 Methods for Measuring Infrared Radiation
• • 1.3 Principles of Infrared Radiation
• • 1.4 The Thermographic Image
• • 1.5 Thermographic Imaging Technology
• • 1.6 Thermography as a Diagnostic Tool in Equine Medicine
• • 1.7 Normal Body Surface Temperature Distribution of the Horse
• • 1.7.1 Anatomical structure
• • 1.7.2 Subcutaneous tissue
• • 1.7.3 Muscle tissue
• • 1.7.4 Hair coat
• • 1.7.5 Season of the year

Chapter 2: Fundamentals of Thermographic Examination

• • 2.1 Procedures for Thermographic Examination, Including the Impact of Environmental Conditions
• • 2.1.1 Preparing a room for thermographic examination
• • 2.1.2 Preparing a horse for thermographic examination
• • 2.1.3 Interview with the horse owner
• • 2.2 Taking Images of the Horse
• • 2.2.1 Thermographic protocol
• • 2.2.2 Correct positioning of the horse and camera
• • 2.2.3 Sample thermographic images
• • 2.2.3.1 Lateral aspect of the horse
• • 2.2.3.2 Distal forelimbs
• • 2.2.3.3 Distal hindlimbs
• • 2.2.3.4 Shoulder area
• • 2.2.3.5 Croup area
• • 2.2.3.6 Chest area
• • 2.2.3.7 Neck area
• • 2.2.3.8 Head area
• • 2.2.3.9 Back area
• • 2.3 Most Frequently Made Errors in Thermographic Imaging

Chapter 3: Interpretation of Thermographic Images and the Normal Superficial Temperature Distribution of the Horse

• • 3.1 Thermography Analysis for Veterinary or Prophylactic Purposes
• • 3.2 Analysis of Symmetry and Repeatability of Body Surface Temperature Distribution in Contralateral Body Areas of the Horse
• • 3.2.1 Determination of body surface temperature differences between symmetrical body areas or regions of interest
• • 3.2.2 Determination of body surface temperature along linear ROIs or at specific points on the body surface
• • 3.2.3 Interpretation of thermograms
• • 3.2.3.1 Distal forelimbs and hindlimbs
• • 3.2.3.2 Back area
• • 3.2.3.3 Shoulder area
• • 3.2.3.4 Neck area
• • 3.2.3.5 Head area
• • 3.2.3.6 Croup area
• • 3.2.3.7 Chest area
• • 3.2.4 What should be considered in thermographic image interpretation?
• • 3.2.5 Thermographic reports

Chapter 4: Development of Equine Thermography and Its Use in Equestrianism

• • 4.1 Development of Thermography in Equine Veterinary Medicine
• • 4.2 Use of Thermography in Equestrianism
• • 4.2.1 Use of thermography to monitor horse welfare
• • 4.2.2 Use of thermography to assess saddle fit
• • 4.2.3 Use of thermography to assess hoof function
• • 4.3 Use of Thermography to Assess Racing Performance

Chapter 5: Use of Thermography in Physiotherapy

• • 5.1 Thermography Applications in Equine Physiotherapy
• • 5.2 Manual Assessment of the Horse
• • 5.2.1 Head area
• • 5.2.1.1 Skeletal system
• • 5.2.1.2 Muscular system
• • 5.2.1.3 Indicators of a problem
• • 5.2.1.4 Manual and visual assessment of the head
• • 5.2.2 Neck area
• • 5.2.2.1 Skeletal system
• • 5.2.2.2 Muscular system
• • 5.2.2.3 Indicators of a problem
• • 5.2.2.4 Manual and visual assessment of the neck area
• • 5.2.3 Forelimb area
• • 5.2.3.1 Skeletal system
• • 5.2.3.2 Muscular system
• • 5.2.3.3 Indicators of a problem
• • 5.2.3.4 Manual and visual assessment of the forelimb
• • 5.2.4 Back area
• • 5.2.4.1 Skeletal system
• • 5.2.4.2 Muscular system
• • 5.2.4.3 Indicators of a problem
• • 5.2.4.4 Manual and visual assessment of the back
• • 5.2.5 Hindlimb area
• • 5.2.5.1 Skeletal system
• • 5.2.5.2 Muscular system
• • 5.2.5.3 Indicators of a problem
• • 5.2.5.4 Manual and visual assessment of the hindlimb
• • 5.3 Muscle Function
• • 5.3.1 Linked muscle function
• • 5.3.2 Antagonistic muscle function
• • 5.3.3 Diagonal limb muscle function
• • 5.4 Dysfunction of the Musculoskeletal System: Summary

Chapter 6: Recommendations for Thermography Application