THERMAL IMAGING Thermal Imaging for Performance Animals

Thermography

What is thermal imaging? •  Thermography is the use of an infrared imaging and

measurement camera to "see" and "measure" thermal energy emitted from an object. Thermal, or infrared energy, is light that is not visible because its wavelength is too long to be detected by the human eye; it's the part of the electromagnetic spectrum that we perceive as heat.

•  Infrared thermal cameras allow us to see what our eyes cannot by producing images of invisible infrared or "heat" radiation. Nearly everything gets hot before it fails, making infrared cameras extremely cost-effective, valuable diagnostic tools in many diverse applications.

Within the past 5 years, thermal imaging has gained increasing popularity in the medical field. Technological advancements in the cameras have led to the cameras being redesigned to be smaller, more portable, and more affordable. These advancements have opened up new fields of usage for infrared cameras and thermographers. Some of these new fields include equine medicine, breast exams and physical therapy.

Thermography for bucking cattle

Thermography for bucking cattle • With the amount of hauling, their high level of

performance and rigorous schedules, bucking bulls endure more physical stress than most animals. The amount of athleticism they posses is almost unimaginable and they perform time and time again for us. But not without some cost.

• Soreness and injuries are an element to this sport that shows up in almost every animal at some point. Unfortunately from a diagnostic standpoint, these are some of the toughest animals on the planet, so the only time it generally shows up is in their performance. Most owners know when there is a problem, but pinpointing where is an issue. Typical practices, such as X-rays, are difficult to perform on these animals, and costly.

With Thermal Imaging, we can get an idea on where the issue is and what it could be. It’s possible to perform from their pen, alley or even lead ups in some cases. •  Thermal imaging can show us signs of muscle soreness,

abscesses, horn infections, stifle and hock damage, trauma, and a variety of other soft tissue issues.

• Keep in mind this is not an X-ray, it is a tool to determine thermal patterns and to compare unusual thermal patterns to locate issues.

When to use thermal imaging • Beginning of the year to determine overall health, get a

baseline and asses any soreness that may be present. • After an unusual performance. If a bull doesn’t buck up to

usual standards, a thermal image can help determine if it was due to soreness or an injury.

• At any sign of lameness. It’s not as easy to determine why a bull is lame as it is to actually see the lameness. Thermal imaging can pinpoint if it’s a shoulder issue, in the foot, hock, etc, so you have the best idea on how to doctor it.

• Signs of horn infection. Thermal imaging can help determine the severity of a horn infection and if it has spread into the sinus cavity.

How to set up an appointment • At events. At any event I’m at I will be available to take

thermal images. The facility will determine how thorough of images that can be taken. Most hock, foot and leg images will have to be taken in an alley or chute. Some images can be taken in lead ups prior to the event if needed.

• Ranch calls. Call me to set up a date. Can do as many bulls as needed. Again, an alley or chute will be needed to get the best leg, foot and hock images. Some foot images will need to be done in a chute that can turn them over for most accurate results.

•  In-house appointments. If the facility needed for certain images isn’t available to you, multiple locations are available for use with the correct equipment.

Thermography examples

Right side of this bull showed unusual thermal patterns in his hip and above

shoulder compared to his left side.

Right stifle and into right hock showed unusual thermal pattern compared to left.

Hoof balance

This bull was longer in his hind feet than his front, and had also cut his right hind toe previously. The comparison of these thermal images showed signs of him putting more pressure on the bulbs of his heels

Pricing •  Images will be $180 per animal. This includes copies of

images and a written report. • Ranch calls will be $200 per head. Deals available for

more than five animals.