WHY CAN IRT BE USED FOR HORSES?

A high percentage of injuries in animals are soft tissue in nature and often register only a small variance in temperature which can only be detected in the animal by equipment able to measure such small variances in temperature. Because IRT measures superficial temperature rather than the temperature of the deep tissues, the presence of foreign matter or long hair (eg mane or fetlock feathers) can obstruct or insulate against heat radiation and therefore interfere with a proper reading. It is therefore very important that the horse owner is aware of how to prepare their horse for the scan.

Whilst IRT is not a treatment in itself, it is a very good all-encompassing diagnostic tool which allows the owner, rider, trainer, farrier and veterinarian the opportunity to quickly and efficiently hone in on the problem area in order that the best modality can be used to either follow up on the investigative work towards diagnosing the problem e.g. radiographs, ultrasound, MRI, SMT or acupuncture, or other suitable treatment choice to target the problem within the shortest time possible can be adopted.