Infrared Training Center

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

University of Florida - Thermal Imaging Seminar

Catastrophic injuries in the racing industry, as well as other avenues of equine competition, have recently brought pressure on the veterinary profession to prevent, or diagnose earlier, injuries before they become life-threatening. Injury detection earlier than is available through other modalities makes thermography an excellent tool.

Thermal imaging systems have the capability to detect changes in temperature related to local inflammation and/or blood flow to the tissue. These changes have been shown to occur 2-6 weeks prior to the onset of clinical signs of lameness.

With the use of Thermal Imaging THE possibility exists that these abnormalities can be identified when the tissues are in a state of stress, rather than anatomical disruption.

Intervention at this point provides less costly, and more time efficient options with which to manage the injury to a successful outcome. Conditions effecting the musculoskeletal system, including Saddle Fit analysis are the most common uses, with use to detect neurological, dental, and infectious disease as well. Sessions will also be presented on the use of thermal imaging in Marine Mammals, Wildlife, and Companion Animals.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Equine Thermography - A tail of two horses' courses

I am often asked the question, "I am interested in equine thermography. Where can I get training?" We at the Infrared Training Center, do not offer an equine course. I used to recommend one training organization but now, I can recommend two. Which one you choose depends on what you want to do with your equine thermography practice. I will review the Vetel Diagnostics training and the new EquineIR training.

The Vetel training provides more detailed clinical discussion of case histories and diagnosis. The course is taught by several veterinarians, several of whom are well published. The course is accredited for CEUS toward receiving a thermology technician certification from the Academy of American Thermology. The course includes approximately one half to 3/4 of a day of hands on practice actually inspecting horses. Additionally, thermography applications for animals other than horses are often reviewed. If you are in the veterinary health field and want training on positioning, interpretation, and certification, this course is for you; especially if you have access to a qualified veterinarian for image interpretation. For more information visit Vetel Diagnostics.

The EquineIR course focuses more on the practical and business side of this field for equine "picture takers". This course covers thermography only as applied to horses. Primary emphasis is placed on understanding and practicing inspection protocols on live horses, the wet lab time occupies about 40% of the course time. There is more information on saddle fitting than is presented at the Vetel course. There is also substantial information and templates on how to produce a report, what to charge, and how to market your services at the local and national levels. If the horse owner/trainer wants a complete evaluation, this is available from a qualified veterinarian for an extra fee, through a website. For more information see EquineIR.