She returned from breeding with an extreme limp. This is a horse that has been sound all of her life. This was so bad that we could not turn her out as we would have liked to. Traditional methods of diagnosis – x-ray, blocking etc. gave no clue as to her problem.

We were sure, at first, that it was a foot problem but no trimming or setting made an improvement.

We then decided that our experimental thermal imaging test should include Dancer. When the camera arrived, the ‘shots’ were taken. After the thermography protocol was received and analyzed, immediate remedial action was taken. Dancer has had two treatments of acupuncture (both traditional and with electrical stimulation through the needles in her shoulder. She is now quite SOUND after she works out of her overnight stiffness.

This method is used to help diagnosis of injury to soft tissue, tendons muscles etc. It could also show the effect of a bone injury – as this would radiate heat that would be detectable.

It has been determined that to prevent event injuries, a thermal protocol can be set up that will give two week’s notice about lameness. Many an equine career could be saved by use of this technique. Clearly, our expertise as engineers is best used in the image gathering. A qualified veterinarian must give the call as to the interpretation.

Please contact diane@wpequestrian.com For more information.