Technology helps to detect injuries before symptoms

However, the thermal imaging company has branched out and launched a new training course '“ in equine thermography.

It explains how to use thermal imaging cameras and interpret data to identify medical issues with horses, even before they show any symptoms. 

Managing director Ray Faulkner said: '˜Equine thermography is a branch of the science that allows a non-invasive inspection to detect minute differences in a horse's thermal and neural condition.

'˜Because blood flows more heavily to areas that are injured it is possible to detect heat differences. This allows early identification of problem areas so vets can investigate further and make a more detailed diagnosis.

'˜Obviously early intervention can hasten recovery and ultimately save a great deal of time and money.

'˜Thermal imaging cameras can quickly identify nerve damage, bone injury, undiagnosed lameness, muscle damage, tendon stress and soft-tissue damage in horses. The techniques can work in theory for any warm-blooded animal.' 

A US study found that thermography can identify areas of injury up to three weeks before a horse exhibits clinical symptoms.

When thermography was a new science iRed set up a training centre for those in the building and electrical trades. The company has expanded dramatically and has a whole variety of packages and services '“ and a number of courses including the new equine thermography course. 

Ray said: '˜The applications for this technology are never-ending.

'˜Our course includes training about the cameras and how to set them up and operate them.

'˜And then we show how to prepare reports which require equine pattern recognition and knowledge of equine anatomy and physiology.' 

iRed was founded in Emsworth in 2002 by Ray, who has pioneered the advances in thermography.

The technology was traditionally used to examine buildings for failing insulation and in the electrical sector to check wiring. Now, iRed is leading the way with a plethora of applications.