Thermal imaging: My animal is not fully well, what can I do?

Ever been frustrated at not being able to work out what is wrong with your horse/animal? You know they are not quite right but you can't pinpoint where the problem is? Been frustrated with saddle fitting?

There is a new service available in the Nelson/Marlborough/Golden Bay region, to help diagnose injuries in horses and other animals. Thermal Imaging South Island, based in Pigeon Valley near Wakefield is a new diagnostic tool to aid the health, happiness and performance of animals.

An infrared camera is used to take images of the surface temperature of the animal, thereby identifying inflammation, injury or nerve damage that is anywhere near the surface of the animal. It is particularly useful for muscle, tendon and ligament tears, bony injuries, soft tissue damage or hoof problems. Thermography is non-invasive, silent, portable and does not require sedation.

It is also one of the best ways to check a saddle for fit. The horse is ridden for a short while without a saddle blanket and then an image is taken of the horse's back and the underneath of the saddle. This will show if the saddle is in a good close contact with the horse's back or not. In fact, it is the only way to know what is happening between the horse/saddle interface.

Patricia Warhurst, the principal thermographer has lived in the area for 17 years. She has trained in human rehabilitation, animal management and vet nursing. She saw this as a great way to help animals in pain or discomfort when they cannot communicate themselves where the problem is.
Thermal Imaging South Island visits you at home, takes images of the animal, downloads the images on the computer, resizing and analysing the images and then compiling a report which is sent to the animal owner via email. Patricia is also happy to liaise with your vet, treatment provider, farrier or saddler.

Check out the website: www.thermalimagingsouthisland.co.nz for a lot more info and contact Patricia to discuss your animal's needs on or .