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Masko M, Borowska M, Domino M, Jasinski T, Zdrojkowski L, Gajewski Z. A novel approach to thermographic images analysis of equine thoracolumbar region: the effect of effort and rider's body weight on structural image complexity. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:99. [PMID: 33653346 PMCID: PMC7923647 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02803-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The horses' backs are particularly exposed to overload and injuries due to direct contact with the saddle and the influence of e.g. the rider's body weight. The maximal load for a horse's back during riding has been suggested not to exceed 20% of the horses' body weight. The common prevalence of back problems in riding horses prompted the popularization of thermography of the thoracolumbar region. However, the analysis methods of thermographic images used so far do not distinguish loaded horses with body weight varying between 10 and 20%. RESULTS The superficial body temperature (SBT) of the thoracolumbar region of the horse's back was imaged using a non-contact thermographic camera before and after riding under riders with LBW (low body weight, 10%) and HBW (high body weight, 15%). Images were analyzed using six methods: five recent SBT analyses and the novel approach based on Gray Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) and Gray Level Run Length Matrix (GLRLM). Temperatures of the horse's thoracolumbar region were higher (p < 0.0001) after then before the training, and did not differ depending on the rider's body weight (p > 0.05), regardless of used SBT analysis method. Effort-dependent differences (p < 0.05) were noted for six features of GLCM and GLRLM analysis. The values of selected GLCM and GLRLM features also differed (p < 0.05) between the LBW and HBW groups. CONCLUSION The GLCM and GLRLM analyses allowed the differentiation of horses subjected to a load of 10 and 15% of their body weights while horseback riding in contrast to the previously used SBT analysis methods. Both types of analyzing methods allow to differentiation thermal images obtained before and after riding. The textural analysis, including selected features of GLCM or GLRLM, seems to be promising tools in considering the quantitative assessment of thermographic images of horses' thoracolumbar region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Masko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Borowska
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Białystok University of Technology, Wiejska 45C, 15-351, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Jasinski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Zdrojkowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzislaw Gajewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Nowoursynowska 100, 02-797, Warsaw, Poland
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Witkowska-Piłaszewicz O, Maśko M, Domino M, Winnicka A. Infrared Thermography Correlates with Lactate Concentration in Blood during Race Training in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2072. [PMID: 33182281 PMCID: PMC7695344 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In horse racing the most acceptable way to objectively evaluate adaptation to increased exertion is to measure lactate blood concentration. However, this may be stressful for the horse, therefore, a simple, noninvasive procedure to monitor race progress is desirable. Forty Thoroughbreds attended race training, with blood samples collected at rest, immediately after, and 30 min after exercise. The lactate concentration was determined 60 s after blood collection using an Accusport®. Thermal imaging of the neck and trunk areas was performed following international veterinary standards from a distance of approximately 2 m from the horse using the same protocol as the blood sampling. The Spearman rank correlation coefficients (ρ) between the changes in the blood lactate concentration and surface temperature measures were found for the regions of interest. The highest positive correlation coefficients were found in the musculus trapezius pars thoracica region for the maximal temperature (T Max; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), the minimal temperature (T Min; ρ = 0.83; p < 0.0001), and the average temperature (T Aver; ρ = 0.85; p < 0.0001) 30 min after the exercise. The results showed that infrared thermography may supplement blood measurements to evaluate adaptation to increased workload during race training, however, more research and references values are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Witkowska-Piłaszewicz
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Maśko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 00-797 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Anna Winnicka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Science, 02-787 Warsaw, Poland;
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Masko M, Domino M, Zdrojkowski L, Jasinski T, Gajewski Z. The Effect of Lunging with Three Aids on the Thermographically Determined Temperatures of the Distal Portion of Horse Limbs. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 95:103316. [PMID: 33276916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The regulation of head and neck position during physical exercise may be obtained using lunging aids (LAs): Chambon (CH), rubber band (RB), or triangle side reins (TR). The use of LAs would shift the center of horse mass caudally, thereby change the limb load. The aim is to evaluate the pattern of superficial temperatures (PST) of hoof wall (HW), the coronary band (CB), and the dorsal aspect of the fetlock joint (FJ) obtained before and after lunging with LAs and freely moving head (FMH). Sixteen horses were imaged using an infrared camera. The temperatures of HW, CB, and FJ were measured, and differences between images obtained before and after lunging were evaluated. The correlations between HW, CB, and FJ were then described using respective coefficients (r, rho). Before lunging PST was similar (P < .05) in FMH, CH, RB, and TR, with the strong positive correlations for forelimbs (HW/CB:rho = 0.9022; HW/FJ:rho = 0.7064; CB/FJ:rho = 0.8010) and hindlimbs (HW/CB:rho = 0.7287; HW/FJ:r = 0.7831; CB/FJ:r = 0.7233). After lunging, PST and correlations changed (P > .05) depending on LAs application. No correlations for FMH and CH, and positive correlations for RB and TR were noted: HW/CB for forelimbs (RB:r = 0.6813; TR:r = 0.8396), CB/FJ for hindlimbs (RB:r = 0.5621; TR:rho = 0.4579). The PST of the distal portion of limbs and relations between measured temperatures change depending on used LAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Masko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Lukasz Zdrojkowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Jasinski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzislaw Gajewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases and Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
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Masko M, Krajewska A, Zdrojkowski L, Domino M, Gajewski Z. An application of temperature mapping of horse's back for leisure horse-rider-matching. Anim Sci J 2019; 90:1396-1406. [PMID: 31461205 DOI: 10.1111/asj.13282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Leisure riding is a popular way of using horses however, unlike sport or racing horses, those are mostly not associated with one rider with high skills. Constant overload of equine musculoskeletal system causes pathologies, which are affecting horse mobility and decreases the horse-rider communication. The aim was to propose the new scoring system of thermograph analysis as an aspect of differences in heat distributions on horseback before and after leisure ridings. The study was conducted on sixteen Polish warmblood horses, scanned with a non-contact thermographic camera. Heat pattern of the thoracolumbar area was evaluated on thermograms taken before and after exercise. The criteria with point values for horse-rider-matching were created: heat points on the dorsal midline of saddle-back contact area and degree of muscle unit overload. The results of thermograph analysis were compared with the results of a questionnaire on horse-rider communication during riding in order to estimate the relevance of matching. The maximum score was obtained in 38.3% and 39.8% of combinations based on the thermograph analysis and questionnaire, respectively. Results of both scoring systems were strongly positive correlated (r = .937), demonstrating high sensitivity (61.72%) and specificity (90.23%) of the matching. The horse-rider matching may improve horse comfort during leisure type of work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Masko
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Krajewska
- Department of Animal Breeding, Faculty of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Lukasz Zdrojkowski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Domino
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zdzislaw Gajewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Veterinary Research Centre and Center for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS - SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
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Redaelli V, Luzi F, Mazzola S, Bariffi GD, Zappaterra M, Nanni Costa L, Padalino B. The Use of Infrared Thermography (IRT) as Stress Indicator in Horses Trained for Endurance: A Pilot Study. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9030084. [PMID: 30866503 PMCID: PMC6466296 DOI: 10.3390/ani9030084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using infrared thermography technique (IRT) to detect physiological stress in endurance horses. Infrared thermography technique, serum cortisol, blood count, and hearth rate (HR) were used as stress-indicators before and after training of different intensities (low, moderate, and high). As expected, all the studied parameters increased after the training, but HR remained below 64 bpm as requested by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) endurance rules. Heart rate and white blood cells were the only parameters which significantly rose with the training intensity. Max temperature in the left and right eye (ET) was positively and significantly correlated with HR. These preliminary findings suggest that the tested horses were sufficiently fit and IRT may be a useful non-invasive tool to assess physiological stress in endurance horses. Abstract The aim of this pilot study was to document the effects of endurance training at different intensities on heart rate (HR), blood count, serum cortisol, and maximal temperatures of different body locations, namely eye, crown, pastern pasterns, gluteus and longissimus dorsi muscle (mm), measured by infrared thermography technique (IRT) in horses trained for endurance. Possible associations among the studied parameters were also investigated. Our hypothesis was that temperature, measured by IRT after endurance training of different intensities would vary depending on the intensity and would be positively correlated with HR and serum cortisol. Eight horses were tested before and after training of different intensities (low, moderate, and high). The results partially supported our hypothesis; all the studied parameters increased after training (p < 0.05), eye temperature (ET) correlated positively with HR (p < 0.01), and crown temperature (CT) correlated positively with cortisol (p < 0.01). However, only HR and white blood cells increased with the intensity of the exercise (p = 0.0016 and p = 0.0142, respectively). Our findings suggest the evaluation of ET and CT may become a useful non-invasive tool to detect physiological stress during training and to evaluate how the horses cope with the training. Infrared thermography technique may also become a useful tool for the early identification of horses that are not fit to compete or to continue the competition. However, further studies should be conducted on a larger number of horses and during competitions to ascertain our preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Redaelli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Fabio Luzi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Silvia Mazzola
- Department of Veterinary Medicine (DIMEVET), University of Milan, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | | | - Martina Zappaterra
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Leonardo Nanni Costa
- Department of Agricultural and Food Science (DISTAL), University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy.
| | - Barbara Padalino
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Bari, Italy.
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Soroko M, Cwynar P, Howell K, Yarnell K, Dudek K, Zaborski D. Assessment of Saddle Fit in Racehorses Using Infrared Thermography. J Equine Vet Sci 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Soroko M, Howell K, Dudek K. The effect of ambient temperature on infrared thermographic images of joints in the distal forelimbs of healthy racehorses. J Therm Biol 2017; 66:63-67. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtherbio.2017.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Soroko M, Howell K, Dudek K, Henklewski R, Zielińska P. The influence of breed, age, gender, training level and ambient temperature on forelimb and back temperature in racehorses. Anim Sci J 2016; 88:347-355. [PMID: 27345632 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Revised: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
A previous thermographic study of racehorses identified 13 regions of interest (ROIs) for monitoring the impact of training. However, that investigation did not consider the influence of breed, age, gender or training intensity level on the temperature of ROIs. The present study adopted a multivariate analysis approach to determine whether the aforementioned factors, along with ambient temperature, significantly influenced ROI temperature in the key body regions. Thermography measurements were obtained from 53 racehorses of three breeds. Horses were in regular training for over 10 months, having 13 thermographic examinations in each racing season. Backward stepwise multiple linear regression indicated that ambient temperature and breed contributed significantly to the model for predicting ROI temperature at all 13 ROIs. Training intensity level contributed significantly to the model only at the thoracic vertebrae, the left third metacarpal bone and left fetlock joint. Neither gender nor age contributed to the model significantly at any ROI. Our data suggest that ambient temperature, breed and training level affect racehorse body surface temperature in some areas of the distal parts of the forelimbs and the back. This contributes to a better understanding of the normal range of thermographic findings in racehorses undergoing intensive training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Soroko
- Department of Horse Breeding and Equestrian Studies, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kevin Howell
- Microvascular Diagnostics, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Krzysztof Dudek
- Institute of Machines Design and Operation, Technical University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Radomir Henklewski
- Department of Large Animal Diseases with Clinic, Division of Surgery, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paulina Zielińska
- Department of Surgery, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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Alsaaod M, Schaefer AL, Büscher W, Steiner A. The Role of Infrared Thermography as a Non-Invasive Tool for the Detection of Lameness in Cattle. SENSORS 2015; 15:14513-25. [PMID: 26094632 PMCID: PMC4507600 DOI: 10.3390/s150614513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The use of infrared thermography for the identification of lameness in cattle has increased in recent years largely because of its non-invasive properties, ease of automation and continued cost reductions. Thermography can be used to identify and determine thermal abnormalities in animals by characterizing an increase or decrease in the surface temperature of their skin. The variation in superficial thermal patterns resulting from changes in blood flow in particular can be used to detect inflammation or injury associated with conditions such as foot lesions. Thermography has been used not only as a diagnostic tool, but also to evaluate routine farm management. Since 2000, 14 peer reviewed papers which discuss the assessment of thermography to identify and manage lameness in cattle have been published. There was a large difference in thermography performance in these reported studies. However, thermography was demonstrated to have utility for the detection of contralateral temperature difference and maximum foot temperature on areas of interest. Also apparent in these publications was that a controlled environment is an important issue that should be considered before image scanning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maher Alsaaod
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland.
| | - Allan L Schaefer
- Agriculture Forestry Centre, Department of AFNS, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada.
| | - Wolfgang Büscher
- Livestock Technology Section, Institute for Agricultural Engineering, University of Bonn, Nussallee 5, Bonn D-53115, Germany.
| | - Adrian Steiner
- Clinic for Ruminants, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern 3001, Switzerland.
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Alsaaod M, Büscher W. Detection of hoof lesions using digital infrared thermography in dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2012; 95:735-42. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.2011-4762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Waldern NM, Weishaupt MA, Imboden I, Wiestner T, Lischer CJ. Evaluation of skin sensitivity after shock wave treatment in horses. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:2095-100. [PMID: 16379653 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of shock wave treatment on cutaneous nerve function, compared with the effects of local nerve block and sedation. ANIMALS 18 clinically sound Swiss Warmbloods. PROCEDURE Horses were randomly allocated to 3 groups and received different amounts and types of shock waves (extracorporeal shock wave treatment [ESWT] or radial pressure wave treatment [RPWT]). Horses were sedated with xylazine and levomethadone. Shock waves were applied to the lateral palmar digital nerve at the level of the proximal sesamoid bones on 1 forelimb. Skin sensitivity was evaluated by means of an electrical stimulus at the coronary band before and 5 minutes after sedation and at 4, 24, and 48 hours after application of ESWT or RPWT. On the contralateral forelimb, skin sensitivity was tested before and 10 minutes after an abaxial sesamoid nerve block. RESULTS No significant changes in skin sensitivity were detected, regardless of the shock wave protocol applied. Mean reaction thresholds after sedation were more than twice the baseline thresholds. After the abaxial sesamoid block, no reaction was recorded in any of the horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Application of ESWT or RPWT to the palmar digital nerve had no effect on cutaneous sensation distal to the treated region for at least 2 days after application. The analgesic effect of sedation on reaction to electrical stimuli was distinct but varied among horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina M Waldern
- Equine Hospital, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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Van hoogmoed LM, Snyder JR. Use of infrared thermography to detect injections and palmar digital neurectomy in horses. Vet J 2002; 164:129-41. [PMID: 12359467 DOI: 10.1053/tvjl.2002.0719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Thermography is a non-contact, non-invasive technique that detects surface heat emitted as infrared radiation. Because skin temperature reflects the status of underlying tissue metabolism and blood circulation, abnormal thermal patterns can signify areas of superficial inflammation. The objective of this study was to determine if thermography could detect the injection of analgesic and neurolytic agents and surgical palmar digital neurectomy. Procedures evaluated include injection of the lumbar region, suspensory ligaments, tibial nerve, palmar digital nerves, and palmar digital neurectomy. Thermographic images were obtained before and after the procedures until a significant difference was no longer detected. Local injection of the lumbar region and the suspensory ligament produced detectable thermal patterns for two days, and tibial nerve infiltration with a neurolytic agent was significant for two days. Analgesia of the palmar nerves was significant for 24h with bupivicaine, compared to five days for ammonium chloride. Palmar digital neurectomy produced more variable thermal patterns. While sensitive enough to detect changes in heat patterns from control regions, thermography is not specific enough to discriminate between procedures and injury inducing an inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda M Van hoogmoed
- Comparative Gastroenterology Laboratory, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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