Veterinary Thermal Imaging Adds More Colour To Thermography!

Veterinary Thermal Imaging (VTI) uses state of the art equipment and software when scanning animals and producing reports, in fact, the FLIR B335 cameras that the team use not only produce fantastic image resolution, the cameras also show up to 256 different colours per scan. The FLIR B335 can detect temperature ranges from -20 degrees to +120 degrees, but is easily set to temperature parameters suitable for imaging animals. It also features a digital zoom, 120 degree lens rotation, thermal fusion (where visual and infrared images are merged to allow easier interpretation and identification), and better than 50 mK thermal sensitivity – which is equivalent to 40 times greater sensitivity than the human hand. “The main thing about the clarity and the colours is that it can show exactly which anatomical structure is affected not just how hot an area is, or whether it’s hot, warm or cold,” says Helen Morrell, Managing Director of Veterinary Thermal Imaging. “Some older versions of camera show just eight colours and poorer quality resolution, which produces blocky images that show less variation in temperature and can be difficult to interpret, making it much harder for vets, chiropractors, physiotherapists, farriers and other professionals to work with. “It’s important to review the quality of the images that will be produced, and ensure that modern equipment is being used. “Be aware that some thermal imaging cameras developed for medical use are not suitable outside of a clinical setting where there is a steady ambient temperature. Medical suitability is very different to veterinary suitability.” Thermography is not a new tool when it comes to detecting temperature changes, but the technology has moved on significantly from when it was first used with animals. “Earlier cameras relied on a connection to a computer whilst the images were being taken, and didn’t produce imagery that was ‘useful’. Even though thermography is an affordable service, spending money on images that can’t be used is false economy. Equally, having to have a camera connected to a laptop whilst moving around a horse was less than ideal. The cameras VTI use work as battery-powered, stand-alone units, and are no more ‘frightening’ to a nervous horse than having its picture taken. We can repeat the image capture as often as required to gather the information we need, as all the images are saved digitally. As our cameras were originally designed for industrial use they’re robust, we are more than happy to let a more anxious horse have a look…even if the horse chooses to sneeze all over it, they are resistant to water, so it’s not an issue!” Once a scan has been taken, these images are then downloaded, carefully tuned using specialist software which removes any effects of differing ambient temperature, relative humidity and object distance (which can affect the readings taken), and put in to a report, ready for the client’s chosen professional to review. “We know that thermography hasn’t always had the best reputation, due to inferior equipment and other factors, but we are determined to change this,” says Helen. “We have worked with vets up and down the country and work under a code of conduct prescribed by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. All our thermographers have extensive training from World-leading vets who use thermography, and we have many happy clients and, more importantly, happy animals, who have used our services.” For more information, please see www.veterinary-thermal-imaging.com, email [email protected] or call 0800 408 3891.

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