Good thermal images start with good preperation
Download a printable PDfThe goal of proper prep of a horse for a thermal imaging session is to minimize heat signature from outside sources and maximize the clarity of the heat signatures from the animal.
The horse should be dry and groomed with a hair coat free of any topical solutions. Liniments, ointments and rubs can skew the heat signature and hide problems. All leg protections, boots and blankets need to be removed at least 2 hours before the scan to be sure that the heat pattern we see is coming from the horse. Loose mane and tail will prevent a fully accurate scan. These should be tied up out of the way.
The hooves must be picked and cleaned about 2 hours before the scan. Handling the hooves before the scan could obscure the heat pattern from the hoof. That's one reason that the bottom of the hoof will be scanned last. Dirt and other debris will effect the scan and must be removed.
Except for saddle fit scans some moderate exercise, if possible, 2 hours before the scan will help increase blood flow into the extremities. A long stalled or unexercised horse may have legs to cool for a good thermal image.
After being exercised the horse needs to be stabled away from direct sun or other sources of heat or cold. We want the horse in as uniform temperature environment as possible. You need to prevent your horse from laying down if possible as that will significantly effect the scans.
Thermal imaging is best done under cover on a dry, even surface that is free of bedding. This prevents artifacts from the moisture or having to stand on an uneven surface. The area should be out of direct sunlight or strong reflected light such as might come off the side of a building. While lighting doesn't effect the thermal scans decent lighting will help the corresponding regular pictures that are taken by the infrared camera at the same time
The area needs sufficient room for the thermographer to move around the animal comfortably. If imaging in a stable it should be free of bedding. A handler will be needed to control and position the horse for thermal imaging. For examining the feet of the horse the handler will have to lift each hoof. But should not touch or brush the horse during the scans as the residual heat will impact the scans.
When the air temperature is above about 80 degrees F the quality of thermal imaging on a horse will tend to decrease. On way to adjust for this is to do thermal scans in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. A climate controlled facility could also be used at anytime. In cold weather the amount of exercise may need to be increased or the stall time reduced to help obtain good readings of legs and feet.
*Since the focus of a saddle fit scan is just the back the prep can be modified in terms of the extremities that are not going to be scanned.
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