About thermal imaging and Thermography
Thermal imaging uses an infrared camera to detect heat patterns. It works on any warm blooded animal. Thermography is the reading and interpretation of those images.
It’s a non-invasive method to help highlight areas of inflammation, circulatory anomalies, or muscular stress by capturing subtle temperature variations on the skin’s surface. Because thermal changes often precede physical symptoms, thermography can reveal developing issues before they become clinically apparent—making it a powerful tool for early detection, rehabilitation monitoring, and overall performance management.
It’s like giving your pet a voice—revealing what they can’t say and what even the most experienced eye might miss.
Giving animals a voice
Thermography, works by detecting infrared radiation (heat) emitted by objects and converting it into a visual image. Every object above absolute zero emits infrared energy, and the hotter it is, the more radiation it gives off. Thermal cameras are equipped with sensors—called microbolometers—that measure these temperature differences across a surface and then maps them onto an image.
How does it work?
Typically in thermography, we’re looking for patterns and symmertry. By understanding the anatomy and physiology of an animal, we know what a ‘normal’ scan should look like, taking into account things like ambient temperature, humidity and even the shape of the object we’re scanning.
Inflammation causes increased blood flow, which raises the temperature in affected areas. Thermal cameras detect these “hotspots” as warmer regions on the horse’s body. However, not all issues are hot—cooler areas may signal poor circulation, nerve damage, or muscle atrophy - that’s why the correct interpretation of the images is very important.
What do you look for?
Thermal imaging can be used on any warm blooded animal (or human!). It is particularly effective in horses to help highlight areas that might require further investigation - especially when a horse doesn’t feel ‘quite right’ but veterinary tests haven’t found a specific issue.
As well as being able to carry out full body analysis thermography is also helpful in monitoring recovery from injury. This is why it’s an ideal partner with laser therapy.
What can it be used for?
It’s important to realise thermal imaging is not a diagnostic tool. I will be able to advise about patterns of heat that are abnormal or unexpected, but not identify what they are or why they are there. Those are questions to to then be answered by your vet.
Thermograpghy can be used for:
Early detection of injuries: It can identify inflammation, muscle strain, ligament or tendon damage, and nerve issues before physical symptoms appear.
Non-invasive: No need for sedation or physical contact—images are captured from a distance, making it ideal for sensitive or anxious pets.
Monitoring recovery: Track healing progress over time with serial scans, especially useful for rehabilitation after injury.
Saddle fit and hoof health: can highlight problems like poor saddle fit, hoof imbalance, laminitis, or abscesses that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Pre-purchase screening: Offers peace of mind by revealing hidden issues before buying or selling a horse.
Cost-effective preventative care: Catching problems early can reduce the need for expensive treatments and shorten recovery time.
What can’t thermal imaging do?
What does a thermal imaging exam entail?
A stable is a must for a thermal imaging exam and preparation of your horse is key to get the best results. While none of the preparation is difficult, it’s really important, so we’ll spend time discussuing it before the exam takes place and I will send you full instructions.
During an exam, I’ll take around 50 images of your horse - all angles of their head, neck, legs and body. I then take the images away to analyse in specialist software and produce a full written report. As much as I would like to give owners the answers immediately, proper time to analyse the images is vital.
I usually allow an hour to an hour and a half to actually capture the images needed. Having someone experienced to handle the horse is important as I do have to crouch, kneel and use steps to conduct a full exam.
