Stephanie Godfrey Joins Veterinary Thermal Imaging For Oxfordshire

Veterinary Thermal Imaging is one of the region’s biggest success stories of last year, and having grown from a start-up to a national team of six over this time, their Oxfordshire-based founder has moved into a management position. Taking her place is Stephanie Godfrey who has joined the team, and will be responsible for Oxfordshire. Stephanie is a keen equestrian and holds BHS qualifications, a degree in Equine Science from Oxford Brookes University and an equine welfare qualification. She was awarded Equine Student of the Year during her studies and has also worked on several livery yards before joining Veterinary Thermal Imaging. “I decided to join Veterinary Thermal Imaging after stumbling across the company during one of my modules at University,” says Stephanie. “I was instantly intrigued to learn more about Thermal Imaging and its use as a diagnostic tool, after researching the technology and reading about its effectiveness, I contacted Helen (Morrell) and have since joined the team to continue my passion. Naturally, I have always had a keen interest in equine anatomy and physiology, which has been a valuable asset within the work I do now. “My main area of interest is equines, I have spent the last ten years learning about the horse’s care through science, and also have practical experience of handling horses of all ages and types.” “We are thrilled to have Stephanie join the team,” says founder Helen Morrell of Veterinary Thermal Imaging. “With her in depth knowledge of horses and dogs, she’s a great asset, and is already helping existing and new clients across the county.” Thermography detects abnormal heat patterns using state of the art cameras. The cameras are around 40 times more sensitive than the human hand and can identify anomalies, up to three weeks before clinical symptoms are seen. The camera can pick up ‘hot spots’ and ‘cold spots’, and then the thermographer uses their training and knowledge to take other images to see if this is abnormal for that particular animal, and further images of the area of interest. These images are then interpreted using specialist software, and a report is compiled. This can then be sent to the animal’s owner, their vet, and associated professionals involved with the animal in question. “Our service can be used as a diagnostic tool, to monitor a condition, or for something like a saddle check,” says Helen. “All our thermographers have undergone extensive training with leading veterinary surgeons who use this technology, and have an in depth knowledge of animal anatomy. This enables them to compile quality reports that are then sent to the animal’s vet. Thermographers don’t diagnose ailments (unless they are also vets), but our team work very closely with vets, physiotherapists, farriers and anyone else the owner requests, to provide the images that they need to offer the animal the best care.” Thermography is a non invasive, safe service that in entirely portable meaning that the thermographer can visit your home, yard or livery stables, and there’s no need to transport or sedate the horse. With a wireless camera no larger than a camcorder, the thermographer captures the images needed before taking them away and compiling a report. It’s also a very affordable service, with prices starting from just £30 plus travel.

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