Comparative measurements of surface body temperature of horses using infrared thermography

Petar Stamberov, Aleksandar Stoimenov, Kalin Hristov

Abstract: Infrared thermography is a painless, non-invasive method that can be used to improve the physiological assessment and health of the horse, and as an alternative, or in combination with other imaging methods and diagnostic procedures. The main advantage of thermography is the detection of subclinical signs of inflammation before the onset of clinical signs of pathology. The aim of this pilot study was to determine the surface body temperature of six clinically healthy horses in indoor conditions. The horses` bodies were laterally scanned on the left and right sides and were divided into the following regions: neck, shoulder, thoracic limb, back, thigh and pelvic limb. The abdominal region of the horses was scanned individually in ventral projection. The average temperature of each region was calculated. An approximately equal thermal symmetry was observed between both sides of the horse’s body.

Keywords: horse; infrared thermography; non-invasive; surface temperature

Citation: Stamberov, P., Stoimenov, A. & Hristov, K. (2023). Comparative measurements of surface body temperature of horses using infrared thermography. Bulgarian Journal of Animal Husbandry, 60(4), 3-7

DOI: 10.61308/WNGG8507

Date published: 2023-08-24