Veterinary Thermal Imaging is a versatile diagnostic tool that finds applications in various areas of veterinary practice. From wellness screenings to injury prevention in athletes and geriatric quality of life assessments, thermal imaging provides valuable insights into an animal's health.
Wellness Screenings: Thermal screenings have become an integral part of wellness exams. On average, 14.2% of wellness exams utilising thermography reveal abnormalities that would typically go unnoticed through physical examination alone. This makes thermal imaging an essential tool for proactive medicine. By incorporating thermal screenings into wellness exams, veterinarians can identify early signs of underlying conditions and intervene before they progress.
Quantitative Evaluation of Patient Progress: Thermal imaging provides highly accurate and quantitative means of assessing the progress of patients undergoing treatment or rehabilitation. By comparing thermal images taken at different time points, veterinarians can monitor changes in thermal patterns and identify any areas of concern. This helps in evaluating the effectiveness of the chosen therapeutic plan and making adjustments if necessary.
Injury Prevention in Athletes: Canine and equine athletes are prone to injuries due to the physical demands placed on them. Thermal imaging can help identify early signs of musculoskeletal stress, inflammation, or injuries, enabling veterinarians to intervene promptly and prevent further damage. By proactively addressing these issues, veterinarians can optimise the performance and well-being of athletic animals.
Geriatric Quality of Life Assessments: Older animals often suffer from age-related conditions such as arthritis and chronic pain. Thermal imaging can aid in assessing the quality of life of geriatric patients by identifying areas of thermal asymmetry associated with pain and inflammation. By identifying these areas, veterinarians can implement appropriate pain management strategies and improve the comfort and well-being of senior pets.
Lameness Examinations: Lameness is a common issue in animals and can have various underlying causes. Thermal imaging can assist in identifying the source of lameness by visualising temperature variations in affected limbs or joints. These variations can indicate areas of inflammation or injury, aiding in accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. By precisely identifying the cause of lameness, veterinarians can develop effective treatment plans and improve the mobility and comfort of affected animals.
Client Communication: Thermal images provide a powerful visual aid that enhances communication with pet owners. By showing them the areas of concern in their pet's thermal images, veterinarians can effectively convey the need for further diagnostics or treatment. This visual representation helps pet owners understand the severity of the condition and the importance of taking appropriate action. Monitoring the patient on every visit provides client education, which leads to increased client compliance with prescribed plans of care, ultimately improving patient outcomes.