How does Thermal Imaging Work?

Thermal Imaging is the process to create an image using Infrared Radiation. Most things emit some form of Infrared Radiation, including humans and animals. Infrared Radiation is directly effected by temperature, e.g. the higher the temperature the more Infrared Radiation is emitted, and the inverse is also true. Using a Microbolometer, a thermal camera is capable of generating a Thermal Image by applying a colour palette to the different intensities of Infrared Radiation.

Why use Thermal imaging as a diagnostic tool in the Veterinary Medical Sector?

Thermal imaging use as a diagnostic tool in veterinary practice has grown in the last ten years. The reason for the growth in using thermal cameras for diagnosing animal health problems is because it is quick, non-contact and non-invasive to the animal. This can be particularly useful when you are dealing with large animals such as cattle or horses as they won’t hear or notice the thermal camera taking thermal images so no further stress is directed onto the animal.

 

Equine Thermal Imaging

Thermal cameras are becoming popular particularly with the Horse Racing Equine Industry. Often thousands are spent on preparing horses to race in national races, so making sure your horse is in it’s peak condition is very important for horse owners for them to make a return on their investment. Horses are very expensive animals to buy, if you are choosing a horse to race it is important to carry out a pre-purchase exam and this can be carried out with a thermal camera. A thermal imaging exam of a horse can show up health issues that are not visible to the naked eye. This can include  Arthritis,hoof abscesses, soft tissue damage,tendon damage,  laminitis and many more. The thermal survey can also measure the horse’s blood flow which can be an indication in how the horse may perform in it’s next event. Thermal Cameras can be used on a regular basis to assist with making the correct size of horse shoes and to make sure saddles are correctly fitted to the horse which can prevent muscle damage or any sores occurring.

Recommended SATIR Thermal Cameras

We are currently recommended three SATIR Thermal Cameras for carrying out surveys on animals.

The CK350-M is our top of the range thermal camera that has been specifically designed for the veterinary medical sector. It has high thermal sensitivity that can detect slight temperature differences which is very important in a medical veterinary practice. It has a 384×288, UFPA Detector which will give the user a clear detailed image.  There are multiple software packages available which are optimised for medical diagnosis & analysis.

The Hotfind-S is a mid level thermography camera that has an  384X288 IR  detector which can give a clear image. It can be operated using the keypad or the touch screen giving the user dual control. The Hotfind S has a rugged design ideal for working in the equine industry and with an adjustable screen enable the used to position the camera in low and high positions when surveying the target animal.This camera would be suited for a livestock owner as it is easy to use and can also give a clear detailed image.

The PK160 is an entry level thermography tablet camera that has 160×120 IR Detector which will give a sufficient image that will display any possible injuries a horse or cattle may have. It had a low temperature range of -20°C to 150°C and a high temperature range of 150°C to 350°C.The measurement accuracy is ±2°C, ±2% of readings.This camera allows the user to take still and video images of the animals and hence some analysis can be done once back in the office.  One of the added advantages of the PK 160 is the fact that additional information can be added to the open platform enabling the  vet or farmer look at look up table and technical details on the devise whilst still doing the survey to assist in the diagnostics. The PK160 is a thermal tablet which in corporate Tablet Technologies which includes WiFi and android operating system. This camera would be the basic model we would recommend for a animal owner to use as it can give a sufficient image and is also easy to use.

If you have any questions about the cameras or the veterinary medical applications please send us an email at enquiry@satir.com and one of our sales consultants will answer your questions as soon as possible.