Tracy A.

Turner, DVM, MS,

Dipl.ACVS
16445 70th St. E
Elk River, M 55330
Phone: 763-441-3797
Fax: 763-441-3683
e-mail: turner@anokaequine.com

Date: 11 June 2009

Owner: Joann Meissner

Horse: Sally

The following is my interpretation based solely on the thermal images, combining these
with a thorough clinical evaluation provides the most information. Thermography is a
technique that measures heat. The emitted heat is directly related to the circulation. Since
inflammation and pain cause alterations in the local circulation this is an excellent non
invasive technique to evaluate the sore horse. No imaging technique stands alone and a
thorough clinical examination is always recommended.

28 Thermal images dated 8 June 2009 from SoCal Infrared were received for review.
Examining the thermograms, the most suspicious area is the neck. The croup is also not
normal.
The history I received was: The horse developed an acute right fore lameness. The
lameness was localized to the right fore foot. It was treated and has gotten better but
residual problems remain. Most recently, the horse was reblocked in the foot and the
lameness remains which rules out the foot as the cause of the residual lameness.

These thermal images of

the front legs showing a
markedly cold right
foreleg indicates to me a
possible dermatome
pattern. That is a
thermal pattern caused
by a pinched nerve
usually from the neck

The left rear

appears to show
a less profound
dermatome.

These
thermograms of
the lower neck and
shoulder show
abnormal heat in
the low neck
(circles)

I have associated this change with cervical vertebral arthritis. This usually occurs at C6-7 (low
neck). This arthritis can cause foreleg lameness or affect the rearend depending on the secondary
swelling and if nerve roots are involved.
The croup is asymmetrical but
I think this is most like
compensatory for the front
end

ASSESSMET: Sally has thermal changes in his neck consistent with facet arthritis. Given the
history I would be most concerned about the low neck in light of the possible casting injury.
The cold areas are due to pinching of nerves or swelling from the facets. Radiographs will be
necessary. The right fore is too cold to be due to lack of use based on the history, so I think
putting it all together, the residual lameness is from the lower neck.

Tracy A. Turner
Tracy A. Turner, DVM, MS
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons
Diplomate, American Board of Thermology