animal thermography

Thermal imaging was once highly expensive and only used exclusively. However, things have changed considerably and now thermal imaging is much more affordable and used for a wide variety of applications. Thermal imaging manufacturers have realised that the possibilities for thermography applications is vast and are now producing cameras with different specifications for different types of thermal work.

Thermal imaging cameras are being used to monitor the stress levels in zoo animals and to keep those stress levels to a minimum. It has been reported that many animals are prone to emotional stress and the physical side effects of anaesthetics, and in some cases treatment does more harm than good.

Recently we reported on the application of thermal imaging in equestrian sports and for Olympic horses. However, horses are not the only animals that can benefit from thermal imaging. Infrared cameras have recently been used to diagnose heath problems in small animals too. This makes the possibilities for thermal imaging much wider and also allows the use of thermal cameras to become a much more mainstream way of diagnosing problems.

Thermal cameras help spot clinical problems in horses to help prevent serious injury. A trained thermographer or a vet can check the horse for injury or any weak/hot spots that are not otherwise visible to the naked eye. As this is a non intrusive method, any problems can be quickly and easily spotted without causing any distress to the animal.