Equine Vet in Michigan

What is Thermal Imaging, and how can it help you and your horse?

Thermal imaging is detection of heat that an object emits. By measuring what the body emits, we can make a picture of the temperature of the body. What we’re looking for, in a thermagram is differences. We can take that information and build conclusions.

Thermographers use this heat detection device (THERMAL CAMERA) for infrared imaging, which looks like a regular camera. It’s used to scan the to determine variations in heat patterns on the body. The image it takes can be displayed on a monitor, or computer screen, for analysis.

Thermography ( IRT) , is especially useful in identifying fluctuations in blood flow, which can indicate problems in soft tissues. The blood flow can vary, depending on whether circulation is normal or affected by injury. IRT can be an early indicator of a problem because blood flow to an injured area may increase before clinical signs of pain and lameness become evident, sometimes early as 2 weeks in advance!

Thermal imaging (infrared thermography) can help horses by detecting changes in surface temperature that may indicate inflammation, injury, or poor circulation. It’s a valuable, non-invasive diagnostic and monitoring tool in equine care. Here’s how it can help:

1. Early Detection of Injuries
• Identifies hot spots (inflammation) or cold spots (lack of blood flow) before clinical signs appear.
• Helps spot issues in hooves, tendons, ligaments, or muscles.

2. Monitoring Recovery
• Tracks changes in injury sites over time.
• Assesses how well a horse is responding to treatment or therapy.

3. Saddle Fit Issues
• Reveals uneven pressure or poor saddle fit by imaging the horse’s back before and after riding.

4. Pre-Purchase or Routine Exams
• Provides a baseline for performance horses.
• Helps in making informed decisions during purchase or competition preparation.

5. Lameness and Gait Analysis
• Aids vets in identifying the source of lameness when combined with other tools.

6. Non-Invasive & Painless
• No radiation, sedation, or contact—safe for sensitive or nervous horses.

I have been Certified for 5 years. Give me a call and let's see if we can find a solution to your horses issues.... See More

Huron River Equine Veterinary Services, PLLC provides quality, on-the-farm care to horses and small ruminants in the area surrounding South Lyon, Michigan.

Dr. Hillary Lobar offers on the farm gastroscopy, digital radiology, dentistry, lameness/performance exams and prepurchase exams, and general medical and preventative care including vaccination, strategic deworming and parasite control, and annual physical exams for horses, sheep, and goats. Horses are her passion, especially geriatric horses and those with metabolic conditions. She loves working with owners to improve the quality of life of horses who need extra TLC. Reliable emergency care is available to established clients. Please contact us today via phone to schedule an appointment!

Please note: For fastest response, please contact Dr. Lobar directly via phone or be sure to include your contact information in the body of your inquiry if using this website.... See More

Comprehensive equine veterinary services.

Service for the Equine Athlete, focused on Equine Lameness, Back Pain, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation

Doctors are active riders and trainers at FEI dressage level.

We are a completely mobile practice covering a 50 mile radius around Rockford. We care for horses, goats, sheep, llamas, alpacas, dogs, and cats. Routine services such as vaccinations, Coggins Testing, wellness exams, dentistry, and health certificates are provided, in addition to sick animal care, emergency care (large animal only), euthanasia, reproductive services/ultrasound, and massage therapy for horses. One doctor practice specializing in consistent, personalized, quality veterinary medicine.... See More

We are an ambulatory and haul in clinic. We offer preventative medicine with vaccines and advanced power dentistry. An equine veterinarian is available 24 hours a day. We serve performance and pleasure horses with expertise in lameness with digital radiography, and reproduction, and dentistry.... See More