ABOUT VET-IR
Infrared Imaging in veterinary medicine is an evolving journey, each year more veterinary surgeons discover its potential to assist investigation. The network of professionals behind Vet-IR have built up extensive knowledge in the field of thermology, coming together to offer a clinical standard approach to imaging, interpretation and wide scale education for industry professionals. Vet-IR’s long-term aim is to integrate Infrared Imaging into every day mainstream veterinary medicine, to see it successfully utilised and promoted as a beneficial, adjunctive imaging modality by veterinary surgeons, international zoo’s and educational establishments.
SCIENCE ANIMAL ICONS
The Vet-IR science animal icons were designed to represent a range of species along with providing an insight into what infrared imaging is all about. The animals represent different fields of work and interesting thermology facts.
STRAIGHT LINES & STILLNESS
Physiological imaging is all about straight lines, just like x-ray. Images need to be collected at 90 degrees for utmost accuracy. Although challenging to achieve, stillness is required for imaging, even if it is just for a moment.
STRUCTURE
Representing structural solidness and anatomy. Infrared Imaging reviews physiological processes but this has a major influence on all that is structural. The aim was to present the animals structural strength, whilst reminding us that everything is connected…
LINES CROSSING & CONNECTING
Myofascial chains, meridian lines, oneness, linking everything together just like the technology. The power of infrared physiological imaging is in the review of the full body, taking the entire patient into consideration and evaluating holistically.
PARTNERS & VETERINARY TEAM
Vet-IR was founded in 2020 by our partners, veterinary team and founding members who have combined over 60 years worth of extensive technology and research experience. Vet-IR’s veterinary team contribute to clinical developments along with providing specialist interpretation and analysis services.
Dedicated to the advancement of thermology…
Setting industry standards and evolving applications via research…
Setting industry standards and evolving applications via research…
FOUNDING MEMBERS
Vet-IR was founded in 2020 by our partners, veterinary team and founding members who have over 60 years worth of extensive technology and research experience. Vet-IR's veterinary team contribute to clinical developments along with providing specialist interpretation and analysis services.
Dedicated to the advancement of thermology...
Setting industry standards and evolving applications via research...
Setting industry standards and evolving applications via research...
INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Coming Soon
IMAGING CONSULTANTS
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Dr Liat Wicks
Dr Liat Wicks BSc MSc CEcol MCIEEM
Vet-IR Partner and Zoology Lead
Liat is a Chartered Ecologist and Zoologist with over 20 years’ experience in the fields of applied ecology, zoology and conservation, and has undertaken research projects both in the UK and abroad. She is also a certified Thermographer and has pioneered the use of the technology for over 5 years in the field of ecological consultancy with bats (her specialism) and other protected species, and in her research area of thermoregulation. She has presented at major National conferences and delivered educational training courses to undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as ecology consultancy professionals.
Liat has published and co-authored numerous scientific papers in international peer reviewed journals and has also been a reviewer for submitted papers in her field of expertise for the journal Biological Conservation. She has also been published in popular science formats such as British Wildlife Magazine and National Geographic online.
Her interest in thermology rapidly grew from ecological applications to expand into animal welfare and veterinary medicine, and she has been working closely in this field for several years alongside her fellow Vet-IR business partners. Liat’s technical knowledge in thermology and research background feeds into VET-IR’s core ethos to drive forward clinical standards in thermology through research, education and training.
Her passion is to assist in the development of thermology applications in the field of Zoology and, through research, build up the much-needed evidence-base for its integration into mainstream veterinary medicine. The idea that developed into the Species-IR Atlas Project started in Liat’s head a long time ago, and now, through Vet-IR the vision of building an index of IR imaging applications in relation to disease detection for multiple species is possible, and is a very exciting area to be involved in.
Liat is currently working on several research projects with our Zoo partners and will be driving this research focused work forward as Zoology Lead with Vet-IR.
Most memorable thermographic experience: I have so many! But if I have to pick one it is imaging Rhino at Marwell Zoo. Being able to get close to these majestic creatures is a real privilege and I was even able to give one a tickle in an area where its skin was surprisingly smooth and soft!
Best day at work: Again, a hard one to choose! One that’s stands out was a recent conference I attended as guest speaker where I presented a talk on Thermography applications in Zoology – I love educating and being able to share knowledge on animals that are so well adapted to environments and the challenges that poses for IR imaging was a real treat.
Animal Science Icon: Rhino – My fellow business partners chose this for me, and I love it and it makes a change from being called ‘batwoman’ for the last 20 years! To me Rhino symbolises strength, determination, and leadership – all great qualities to push forward with VET-IRs vision.
“As a Vet-IR partner I am proud to be part of a forward thinking, inspirational team all sharing the same vision for the advancement of animal thermology within the professional fields of veterinary medicine, zoology, animal health and welfare. With our focus firmly on clinical standards for the industry, we hope to inspire and educate our thermology community, raising the profile of this technology and imaging modality globally”
Contact Email: liat@vet-ir.com
Sophie Gent
Sophie Gent
Vet-IR Partner & Equine Lead
Sophie has extensive IR imaging experience and has been pioneering for the technology’s advancement in veterinary medicine since 2008. Sophie has conducted, co-authored and contributed to a range of thermographic research papers and worked to evolve clinical applications across a wide variety of species.
Education, research and improving animal welfare through technology development is a lifelong passion and Sophie has lectured at large conferences such as the Equine Sports Science Seminar, IMPACT and ACCT, private CPD events, veterinary hospitals and a number of Universities. Encouraging industry standardisation, veterinary interpretation and technology quality control has always been the key aim and led to Sophie delivering annual thermology CPD congresses for associated thermographers and industry members.
Sophie has enjoyed over 10 years of teaching, supporting veterinary surgeons and imaging consultants on their thermographic journeys and developed the first international veterinary thermology interpretation system in 2016. This system has been evolved by Vet-IR and now forms the basis of the Species IR Altas Project, forming an index of IR imaging applications in relation to disease detection. This is a long term project run in collaboration with a number of institutions and will form a global education resource for practising vets, vet students in training, zoos and zoologists.
Much of Sophie’s work has been in the field of equine imaging and research, equine being one of the technology’s most utilised international applications. Through a commitment to long term clinical correlations, new data and applications are being understood that can improve lameness/ poor performance investigation and equine management. Sophie continues this work as the equine lead for Vet-IR.
Most memorable thermographic experience: Lunging a camel... by accident during an imaging session after his buddy escaped and made a run for it. My colleagues Helen Mathie and Dr Liat Wicks stood by in amusement…apparently an oscar winning performance.
Best day at work: The day I imaged (and cuddled) my first set of Rhino and Giraffes at Marwell Zoo with my colleague Lucy Challis. It was a day I will never forget and still inspires me to push on with research and technology advancement.
Animal Science Icon: Lioness - Pivotal to the prosperity, growth and survival of the tribe. My role has been to plough on and advance the technology regardless of the challenges ahead, plus...I just love lions.
“Being a Vet-IR partner and working with this highly professional team is a majorly exciting time for veterinary thermology. The skills and knowledge within this network will see IR imaging become part of mainstream veterinary medicine and continue to contribute to the evolution of animal welfare. I am honored to work with these incredible people to achieve our collective, longstanding goals for the technology"
Contact Email: sophie@vet-ir.com
Kat Kuczynska
Kat Kucynska
Vet-IR Partner & Small Animal Lead
Kat has extensive IR imaging experience across a wide variety of species and has been working to advance the use of technology in veterinary medicine since 2015. Kat has assisted, co-authored, and contributed to many thermographic research projects and led projects exploring potential evolvement of the technology in new avenues of veterinary medicine.
Kat is passionate about improving animal welfare and the advancement of clinical applications of technology. As an already successful business entrepreneur, she brings a wealth of business, financial, and operational knowledge as well as experience. She’s also a key part of the Vet-IR training team.
Kat is working on the continual development of the Species Interpretation & Analysis (S.I.A.) system. This international system has been developed by Vet-IR to provide an easily accessible, online hub for veterinary and zoology IR data collection, analysis, and to help connect the work done by many veterinary hospitals and research professionals across the world. The scientific data held by S.I.A. is an invaluable educational tool to anyone involved in research, as well as veterinary or zoology IR applications, and is a foundation for the Species IR Altas Project. This long term collaborative project has been designed to build an index of IR imaging across various species and identifying markers for pathology detection.
Although Kat is involved in imaging and research across the species, a lot of her knowledge and experience comes from the small animal industry. She’s the small animal lead for Vet-IR developing still, largely unrealised potential of the technology in improving the welfare of our closest companions through early pathology detection and quicker, more comprehensive veterinary diagnosis and treatment.
Most memorable thermographic experience: Capturing the image of a zebra with her foal in the enclosure at Marwell Zoo. It was one of these astonishing moments when I stopped to realise that doing ‘this’ is part of my life - and how lucky I was because of it.
Best day at work: Gathering data for an equine research study. It was crisp winter’s day and the end of 10 hours of imaging and data collection. We were cold, tired, and hungry. Yet drove home with nothing but excitement for the research which will be published as a result of our work and changes it’ll bring to the industry and animal welfare.
Animal Science Icon: Wolf - Anyone who knows me, won’t be surprised by this. Intelligent, aloof, reserved, fierce, obsessed with freedom, and strongly determined. And, of course, protective over things that are important to me.
“Vet-IR is a company like no other. It’s a collective of talented professionals with a wide range of expertise coming from all walks of the veterinary and animal world - all working towards the same goal - making IR imaging part of mainstream veterinary and zoology medicine and improving animal welfare worldwide. I am proud to be part of this lifetime commitment to give back to animals without a voice, who keep giving us more than we can ever repay.”
Contact Email: kat@vet-ir.com
Patrick Sells
Dr Patrick Sells MRCVS
S.I.A Vet & Founding Member
Pat Sells graduated from Liverpool University in 2007 with the Pycock Equine Clinical Prize, having also done a degree in conservation medicine as a Welcome Trust scholar. After a stint playing the James Herriot role in rural Welsh mixed practice, he joined Rossdale & Partners in Newmarket. Whilst there Pat worked in anaesthesia, orthopaedics, neonatology and critical care. The rich caseload allowed Pat to complete his post-graduate certificate in Advanced Equine Practice during this intensive internship.
After that he explored Rossdales' ambulatory practice, working both at top training yards and breeding establishments, much of the time for Prince Khalid Abdullah's Juddmonte Farms. Pat then spent 5 years developing a veterinary practice dedicated to one of the Southern Hemisphere's premier owner breeders, Windsor Park Stud, NZ.
In 2016 Pat returned to the UK to set up a veterinary practice at Surrey-based stud Chasemore Farm, where he has been based ever since. Pat's particular interests are lameness, neck pathology, high risk pregnancy, the difficult barren mare, the sick neonate and Thoroughbred sales work.
Pat was introduced to IR technology in 2012 and had a keen interest in its development. Pat has been interpreting and reporting IR imaging data for 5 years and assist Vet-IR with research and education projects.
Ciara Muphy
Dr Ciara Murphy MRCVS
Veterinary Thermologist & Founding Member
Dr Ciara Murphy was first introduced to digital infrared thermal imaging over ten years ago when she was made aware of its applications in human health.
She was given the opportunity to be trained to interpret veterinary thermal images and soon realised the value of this modality as an adjunctive tool in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal and neurological dysfunction in horses and dogs.
Ciara qualified as a veterinary surgeon at University College Dublin in 2010 and initially found herself in Canada working in equine and small animal practice.
She now works in general small animal practice in West Sussex in the south of England and is currently completing her PG Cert in small animal diagnostic imaging.
Ciara provides interpretation services for Vet-IR specialising in equine and small animal. She is an experienced thermologist and assists interpretation/ analysis developments, service quality control along with the long term collation of research via the Species Atlas Project.
Most memorable thermographic case? I identified subtle foot hyperthermia in an equine patient that turned out to be a P3 wing fracture. It was an extremely rewarding case and great use of the technology.
Best day in work? My best day at work was definitely saving a poor cat that had been through a washing machine cycle, came in pretty much dead - went home happy as larry.
Science Animal Icon: Cat – Because they just always have life worked out.
Contact Email: ciara@vet-ir.com
Rodrigo Fagundes
Dr Rodrigo Fagundes DVM
Veterinary Thermologist & Founding Member
Rodrigo trained in IR imaging and interpretation in 2017 working with a variety of species. He is a world renowned lecturer and teacher of veterinary acupuncture with a key interest in the applications of thermology to assist diagnosis and rehabilitation. Rodrigo contributes to the development of IR imaging in zoology along with analyzing dromedary data and is a founding member of Vet-IR.
Rodrigo graduated in Veterinary Medicine from UFG - Federal University of Goias in Brazil in 1996 and has a masters degree in Genetics and Biotechnology from the UCB/CENARGEM, Brazil. He is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and Veterinary Tui-Na from the Chi Institute of Florida/USA and in Herbal Therapy from the C'hien Institute in Brazil. He also studied Japanese Veterinary Acupuncture at the Acacia Animal Hospital in Tokyo/Japan.
In 1997 he founded CAANES, the first Veterinary Acupuncture clinic in Brazil and a few years later he helped found the Brazilian Veterinary Acupuncture Association (ABRAVET). From 2002 to 2012 he was responsible for Veterinary Acupuncture services at Brasilia University (UnB), wild animal acupuncture services at Brasilia Zoo and the wild animal ambulatory service at Brasilia University (UnB)/Brazil.
Rodrigo teaches Japanese Veterinary Acupuncture at the Chi Institute of Europe and IVAS (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society) in Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium besides many post graduation courses in Brazil, and is also a board member of the WATCVM (World Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine).
In 2017 Rodrigo moved to Spain and founded CAANES Spain, a veterinary acupuncture and rehabilitation centre in Alicante.
Most memorable thermographic experience: Checking some rhino's scans we made in a zoo, I found some images that don't fit the normal pathologic thermographic findings of the other animals. They were not usual but weren't totally non-familiar. Then I found out that they could represent some acupuncture points and I found out that a totally new branch connecting thermography and acupuncture in wild animals was opened and we need to investigate.
Best day at work: Spending some days in a boat treating sea turtles and penguins with acupuncture in a rescue center in a beautiful brazilian beach.
Animal Science Icon: Koi - symbolizing strength, will power and dedication to hard work. The Koi was the symbol for Rodrigo's first clinic in Brazil for over 20 years where acupuncture was non-existent. Through his will power and hard work veterinary acupuncture is now widely available in Brazil.
Acknowledgments:
“Rodrigo’s IR work has encouraged many veterinary surgeons to further consider the applications of the technology and learn how it can benefit their patients. He has contributed greatly in the fields of zoology and small animal, bringing a wealth of experience to the Vet-IR team. Rodrigo is an incredible lecturer with a passion for education and will be developing Vet-IR CPD courses in relation to acupuncture. He is a huge personality that inspires us all to consider animal health and diagnosis in a whole new way.”
Email Contact: rodrigo@vet-ir.com
Gemma Monk Hartley
Gemma Monk Hartley
Senior Imaging Consultant & Founding Member
Gemma joined Vet-IR as a founder and senior imaging consultant having provided thermographic imaging services to equine and canine owners and vets across the West Midlands and Wales since 2019. In that time Gemma has seen the technology being used very successfully, contributing invaluable information to vets and professionals in lameness, poor performance and change in behaviour investigations. Gemma has also seen it used without success where the information has been left in the hands of inactive owners or vets with little to no experience of the technology.
Vet-IR’s ambition for the technology is that it improves the lives of more animals by finding its rightful place in mainstream veterinary diagnostics. Her personal ambition is that it's used more extensively to; assist early intervention (through routine monitoring), treat holistically for better results (using information from full body imaging about possible primary and compensatory pathologies) and monitor treatment and rehabilitation. She would also like to see it used to provide a cost-effective diagnostic imaging option that could enable more money to be spent on treatment in appropriate cases.
Outside of Vet-IR Gemma work's as a part-time researcher and co-ordinator for Neo, a brand, campaign and communications agency, working exclusively with those that are changing the world for the better. Clients include (among many more) Compassion in World Farming, WWF, Pukka, Partnerships for Forests and most recently the South Downs National Park Authority.
Being born into an animal loving family and surrounded by dogs and horses since birth, a passion for improving the lives of animals has been the constant in her life. Gemma’s first pony, Minty, arrived when she was three years old and she had horses of my own ever since. Gemma currently has the pleasure of sharing her life with two horses; cheeky chappy Tobie and the boss, Jess. And shares her sofa with Rufus the gorgeous Gordon Setter.
In the hands of forward thinking professionals, those changing the animal world for the better, armed with knowledge, experience and confidence in the technology gained from test cases, research projects and correlated cases, thermography will continue to be used successfully to improve the lives of animals.
Gemma is based in Shropshire and provides equine, small animal imaging and will soon be training in zoology, Gemma offers clinics across the Midlands and Mid Wales.
Most memorable thermographic experience…Being in a conference room surrounded by a large group of people, all equally driven, passionate and excited about the same thing - using thermography to improve the welfare of animals.
Best day at work so far…Imaging 3 (but meeting 5) Dogue Du Bordeaux in a day. Once the imaging was complete, I got the best cuddles.
Science Animal Icon: The Dog – symbolising guidance, loyalty, protection, faithfulness, and love.
Acknowledgments
"Gemma's passion for animal welfare is her driving force. Her attention to detail produces excellent IR imaging results and her genuine love of animals means patients always have a great experience. Gemma's extensive marketing background helps Vet-IR to transmit key messages to the veterinary industry and animal owners worldwide. We are delighted to work with Gemma as a founding member for Vet-IR, she is a remarkable individual that ensures we remember to think about how we communicate the great work of Vet-IR. As a group of vets, pros and scientists that is easily forgotten.”
Contact Email: gemma@vet-ir.com
Helen Mathie
Helen Mathie
Senior Imaging Consultant & Founding Member
Chartered Physiotherapist BSc (Hons) HCPC MCSP
Veterinary Physiotherapist MSc Vet Phys ACPAT A RAMP
www.helenmathiephysiotherapy.com
Helen has been working as a IR imaging Consultant since 2018 but has been utilising the technology in her work as an ACPAT Chartered Physiotherapist for many years. Helen is a Vet-IR founding member, contributing a wealth of both equine and dromedary knowledge to the company, co-authoring and contributing to a range of thermographic research papers/projects. Helen is part of the Vet-IR education and research team that contributes to the evolvement of the technology in new avenues of veterinary medicine.
Helen treats riders and horses as part of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Performance Programme. She recently supported the Senior Team in Thailand at the 2019 FEI Asian Championships together with the Paradressage Team at WEG Tryon 2018. She previously worked for the British Equestrian Federation World Class Programme as a consultant for ten years and was Team GB Paradressage Physiotherapist at Beijing Paralympics 2008, WEG Kentucky 2010, London Paralympics 2012 and Europeans 2014. In addition she is a British Dressage National Classifier and sits on the UK National Classification Panel, as well as the British Dressage Dispensation Committee. She also provides a solutions based approach to physiotherapy for both horses and riders privately in Northumberland.
Helen previously worked for eight years in the NHS predominantly in trauma management and rehabilitation. In addition she provided physiotherapy services to Rugby Union, League and Sevens Teams both Nationally and Internationally. She undertook a MSc in Veterinary Physiotherapy at the Royal Veterinary College in 2006 and wrote her thesis on dromedary anatomy out in Dubai. Since then she has lectured in anatomy and physiotherapy to a variety of audiences as well as contributing to several published papers on equine/rider related topics alongside Centaur Biomechanics. In addition she has written chapters for the BSAVA Small Animal Nursing Textbook and articles for Horse and Hound, British Dressage and Horse and Rider Magazines.
Helen competed as a child with BSPS working hunter and show ponies, and currently enjoys producing her own horses for dressage and eventing whilst juggling a young family of dragons!!
Most memorable thermographic experience? Collecting baseline data at Joseph’s Amazing Camels in Warwickshire which included a unique camel lunging demonstration by no other than Sophie Gent!
Best day at work? Equine - too many memories at Championship level to mention all of them however favourites have to be London 2012 Olympics and Asian Championships, Thailand. Just being able to help all levels of horses and riders towards achieving their goals and ambitions no matter how big or small.
Animal Science Icon: Camel - symbolising endurance, strength and persistence. Camels are unusual creatures just like Helen.
Acknowledgments:
“Helen’s is an encyclopedia of equine and dromedary anatomy knowledge, a fantastic lecturer and incredibly passionate about advancing animal welfare. She inspired Vet-IR’s work in dromedaries, educating us all about the incredible characteristics of camels, her clinical experience contributes greatly to the development of IR imaging in both practical applications and research. Along with providing imaging services Helen is working with Vet-IR to release new CPD and course modules. We are delighted to collaborate with her as a Vet-IR founding member.”
Contact Email: helen@vet-ir.com
Jules La Garde
Jules La Garde
Senior Imaging Consultant & Vet-IR Founding Member
Jules has extensive IR imaging experience and has been operating a successful equine imaging business since 2014. Jules is part of the Vet-IR training and education team and contributes her superb business development skills to the company as a founding member.
It was whilst working for a neurological healthcare company that she first came across thermology being used as a non-subjective representation of neuropathic pain. She later decided to use this imaging modality on one of her own homebred horses who had been born with a slightly deformed joint, and was intermittently lame with no diagnosis despite xrays and ultrasound. She quickly realised that services varied hugely across the UK market.
Jules pro-actively decided, at the end of a contract role in 2014, to learn more about this form of physiological imaging. Since then, she has devoted time and passion to bringing this quality controlled service to many owners and vet practices as an initial form of non-invasive imaging, as a diagnostic and prognostic indicator.
Jules continues her passionate journey with the aspiration of retiring, knowing that this imaging modality is used regularly in practice as part of veterinary investigations, to assist in performance, preventative care and ultimately to help improve animal welfare.
Jules also regularly coaches riders at all levels, with a particular interest in the riders efficient absorption and dispersal of movement enabling improved performance and post surgical ridden rehab partnerships. She enjoys a rural life with her 3 rescue dogs and her husband in Northamptonshire.
Most memorable thermographic experience?
Quite early in my scanning career, I was scanning on site at a vet practice, and on arrival, the referring vet poked his head round the door and said ‘Good luck with this one if you can’t sedate it’ winked and laughed…
The vet nurse who was with me for the day to handle the horses, looked blankly at me and we both wondered why. To cut an hour-long story short, the horse jumped the stocks despite 2 handlers and escaped in minutes. When the vet returned at the end of the day he said, how did you get on? The vet nurse replied, we decided the horse was not suitable for scanning so good luck with nerve blocking it!
Best day at work? I have too many to choose from...teamwork whilst being bitten and scanning flamingos, scanning onsite in clinical veterinary facilities.
Animal Science Icon: The Horse -symbolising freedom without restraint, travel and movement. As Jules loves biomechanics and freedom of movement the Vet-IR horse was a great representation.
Acknowledgments:
“Jules has actively pioneered for IR technology for many years and has successfully integrated her services into veterinary practice, seeing it used as an adjunctive tool, helping many patients. She has produced outstanding correlated cases that have increased the understanding of the technology and its potential in equine medicine. Jules' knowledge and skills have contributed to the advancement of thermology and we are delighted to work with her as a founding member of Vet-IR. “
Contact Email: jules@vet-ir.com
Tracy Lomax
Tracy Lomax D.O.
Senior Practitioner & Founding Member
Tracy has been working with IR imaging since 2013 and built up extensive imaging and technology experience. Tracy has contributed to and conducted a number of IR research projects and has utilised the technology as part of her osteopathy practice for many years. Tracy contributes a wealth of knowledge to the Vet-IR team as a founding member and educator.
Tracy, an Osteopath renowned for her work with pediatrics and racehorses, qualified from the British School of Osteopathy in London in 1986. She continued her training on a post- graduate level at the Osteopathic Centre for Children in Harley Street and as an animal osteopath with Anthony Pusey equine osteopath at the Avonvale Veterinary Practice with orthopedic vet Christopher Colles. It was there that she first experienced imaging that was used on musculoskeletal issues where scanning was performed at the initial veterinary consultation and prior to every osteopathic intervention. Imaging immediately afterwards after treatment was not practical because of effects of the sedative on the sympathetic nervous system .
She has set up multiple human practices from the Middle East to Yorkshire but it is her work with racehorses from working with some of the top 2 year old trainers in the country in Lambourne that she found her niche.
Tracy’s passion for horses began in Libya where she was brought up on a horse farm and the horses would often get into the house! In the Middle East where the Sheikhs own all horses and you can ride them if you look after them, Tracy would get up at 4 am to ride before the intense heat made it unbearable.
Most memorable thermographic experience:
Best day at work: Scanning 500 flamingoes at Marwell Zoo and Martin Mere.
Animal Science Icon: Flamingo - symbolising balance, being open towards others and having an open heart. They also symbolize family, caring for your family, relationships. Flamingos also symbolize new experiences and opportunities, something Tracy is always ready for.
Acknowledgement:
“Tracy is a talented osteopath that has dedicated her career to helping both humans and animals. She has proactively contributed to many projects, is passionate about animal welfare and education. An excellent lecturer and leading professional that encourages us to consider a more holistic approach to diagnosis and pain management. We are delighted to work with her as a Vet-IR founding member.”
Contact Email: tracy@vet-ir.com
Yogi Sharp
Yogi Sharp DipWCF DipHE
Senior Imaging Consultant & Founding Member
Yogi Sharp DipWCF DipHE qualified as a farrier in 2009 with the best NVQ in his college and runner up in the county for his year, and since then he has taken a keen interest in the academics and scientific approach to farriery. Yogi is part of the Vet-IR education and research team and contributes a wealth of knowledge to the company as a Vet-IR founding member.
A few years ago he made the decision to downsize his business and direct it toward a veterinary and practitioner referral focused enterprise, where he enjoys putting science into practice, this came hand in hand with starting his studies toward achieving the Bsc(hons) in farriery science at Myerscough. Shortly after beginning the degree course he established "The Equine Documentalist '' blog in following with his other passion of research and education, he spends long hours researching scientific papers and creating palatable articles, he also runs clinics and workshops teaching farriery and equine sciences.
His journey into thermography began when he sought to answer questions posed by his farriery clients about performance issues and since then has taken an interest in researching links between the hoof and the horse using thermography. The unique ability of thermography to visualise and detect the early genesis of pathology that correlated with what he was seeing and feeling as a farrier, has meant some quantification could be brought to his suggestions of investigation and this has meant he has been able to provide a more holistic but very much science based service.
Most memorable thermographic experience? The first time thermography confirmed my suspicions about higher issues being connected to the morphology I was seeing in the foot. It opened up a world of possible research.
Best day at work? The science day at our last conference, seeing and sharing the science of thermology in different fields was fascinating.
Animal Science Icon: Bear - symbolising strength, family and vitality. The bear is thoughtful and independent, self constrained and strong willed. All traits that Yogi possesses in abundance.
Acknowledgments:
“Yogi is a passionate educator that has contributed a wealth of knowledge to Vet-IR. His specific research interests have opened up new ideas for the application of IR technology, focusing on connecting the entire equine patient and improving animal welfare. We are delighted that Yogi will be releasing new farriery focused Vet-IR CPD courses and writing for the industry membership platform, sharing his knowledge and advancing technology education.”
Contact Email: yogi@vet-ir.com
Lucy Challis
Rachel Dellar
Gracie Herring
Gracie lives in country NSW Australia with her dogs, cats, horses and chickens. Surrounded by animals since birth she has always had a strong love and liking for all animals, which continues to grow. She has been riding horses since a young age, attending Pony Club and open events in Dressage, Show Jumping and Eventing, has studied natural horsemanship and follows the teaching of classical dressage.
Gracie’s own experiences of frustration and expense in dealing with difficult to diagnose lameness and finding the cause of pain and behavioural issues are what led her to IR Imaging. She is incredibly passionate about helping owners and professionals detect, monitor and prevent injuries and illness. She believes ‘undesirable’ traits or poor performance of the horse are the result of pain and discomfort.
Gracie aims to work closely and holistically alongside her client’s other professionals to ensure the best treatment plan is selected for that particular animal.
She is dedicated to learning all she can about horses and other animal species, and how thermography, when used correctly, can be an invaluable tool for vets and other professionals in the early identification of disease, musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions.
Gracie enjoys attending regular CPD training and has attended a Sharon May-Davis dissection along with several other workshops on rehabilitation and biomechanics, and is currently studying equine, canine and zoology sciences. She is very excited to have been selected to present in the educator’s program at Equitana Australia 2020.
Aside from her love for animals and dedication to work, she has a keen interest in animal welfare, photography and travel. Gracie has travelled extensively throughout Asia, Europe and Oceania, experiencing many cultures and looks forward to travelling to continue her commitment to IR Imaging and animal welfare.
Gracie is based in Canberra, Australia and offers imaging services to quite a large area, covering Sydney, ACT & surrounds, Melbourne & surrounds and south-east VIC/NSW.
Most memorable thermographic experience…Having the opportunity to correlate thermographic findings with a dissection lead by Sharron May-Davis.
Best day at work so far…Imaging a show quality bull calf.
Science Animal Icon: The Kangaroo – symbolising family, power, balance and strength.
Lisa Broad
Despite being from a non-horsey background horses have always been a large part of her life, doing multiple paper rounds as a teenager to pay for shoes for a loan pony. She studied equine care at Reaseheath College and went on to work on a livery yard and with hunters and racehorses but life took her in a different direction into the construction industry. Even though horses took a back seat she continued to invest time and money into educating herself to strive for a better way of doing things, taking an interest in both physical and behavioral rehabilitation.
She was drawn to the clinical and scientific approach of Vet-IR and is passionate about its use in veterinary diagnosis.She believes that horses need a team approach for longevity and feels that IR technology can be highly valuable as a part of an integrated approach to both maintenance and veterinary diagnosis.
Lisa also teaches the Enlightened Equitation method which is based around the synchronization of the rider’s weight aids and movement with that of the horse to create subtle but effective communication and has more recently been training as an Equine Sports Massage Therapist.
Lisa is based in Cheshire with her 3 horses Maddie, Romeo and Boo and provides equine imaging across Cheshire, Stafford shire and North Wales.
1. What is your most memorable thermographic experience?
Being at a team conference and experiencing the energy created by a group of people with a common goal.
2. What has been your best day at work as an imaging consultant?
As a new consultant there aren’t too many days to choose from yet but visiting the Giraffes and Rhino’s that we work with at Marwell zoo was very special.
It’s a privilege to be a part of Vet-IR,the knowledge and passion within the team is phenomenal.
As a new consultant I’m excited for the future of the technology,I strongly believe when we know better we can do better and feel that IR technology can assist greatly in research helping us to know better, thus improving the welfare of both domestic and wild animals.
Lou Crow
Lou has ridden since the age of nine and since leaving school has worked and trained in various equestrian establishments. Lou has gained her BHSAI certificate as well as being a BHS accredited professional coach.After having children she took up employment within the local authority as a family and assessment coordinator, whilst continuing teaching and eventing in her spare time. Redundancy gave Lou the opportunity to return to a full time career within the equine industry where she could utilise the skills learnt in the public sector along with her knowledge and experience of horses.
Lou’s true passion is eventing where she has competed at grassroots level aiming to progress further. She also has an affinity to TB’s and has enjoyed owning and retraining ex race horses over the years.
Lou first became interested in thermal imaging in 2016, soon after her then event horse ‘Rou’ was diagnosed with kissing spines. It was then that she spotted the benefit of a clinical standard thermology service and had wished this option had been offered to her at the time. As she is certain it would have saved a lot of worry, time and money. From a client’s perceptive the need for multi model imaging was apparent which encouraged Lou to provide a clinical standard service to her local veterinary practices.
After performing many scans Lou is now an experienced technician and has a complete understanding of how the technology can be used to achieve its full potential and be truly effective for her clients. Lou is very enthusiastic about the technology assisting with detecting lameness, assessing for pain and highlighting areas of concern which may affect the performance of a horse; regardless of what level of work they are in.
With past cases where early stage pathology was identified in our veterinary reports, Lou is now having clients and vets coming back to inform her that these horses have since been diagnosed with issues such as navicular and bone spavin. Which are all added to our case portfolio to evidence the worth of our technology and service to also assist with preventative screening.
As confidence in our service is developing, Lou now has an established client base who she is pleased to see continuing to use our service for rehabilitation monitoring. The technology has certainly helped with Lou’s horses over the past few years, Rou for rehab, Robyn and Ferris (2 ex race horses she loaned) were diagnosed with OA in the hocks following our report highlighting these areas. Her current mare Hope, who she bought a year ago, had a scan which highlighted SI so she has carefully been able to rehab and use imaging to monitor her condition.
Most memorable thermographic experience: imaging a 7 yr Welsh X Driving/Riding pony whose behaviour changed by displaying bucking when ridden. The physio identified a spasm in right hind quarter and left shoulder and referred the pony to the vet. The vet declared the pony as sound and to carry on working and have regular physio treatment. The owner still felt there was more to her pony’s behaviour so asked Lou to come in and see if our service could identify any underlying issues. Our report advised an assessment of the neck as focal inflammation at the level of the CT junction was highlighted in the report indicating possible muscular or spinal dysfunction.
Following our report the owner’s vet nerve blocked the offending vertebrae and the change in the pony’s way of going was significant. He was so much freer in his shoulder, worked with a much longer stride, and easily maintained left canter.X rays identified an impingement and due to the side effects (pony prone to laminitis), operating was deemed the best option. After a 3-4 month rehab programme we are all happy to see much improvement and a happy pony who is now back competing and being ridden.
Best day at work: being approached by a local vet who asked if he could do a mini research project together with Lou. The project involved Lou performing thermology on six dressage horses, all ranging in age and competition level and up to Grand Prix. The vet then MRI scanned the same horses as a comparative. The report is in the process of being written up and we are all very excited to see the outcome.
Animal Science Icon:Although Lou’s Vet-IR colleagues all compare her to being a giraffe because of her height (6’ 12”!). Lou feels that her animal icon is actually a dog, Lou was born in the year of the dog and is very hard working, loyal and enjoys the odd nap when she gets the chance.
Lou is really excited for the future and is looking forward to seeing all veterinary practices across the country regularly using our screening services.
Sarah Holland
Sarah has ridden and been around horses since a child and her childhood obsession with horses has never left her. She has been a riding coach for thirty years and also helped run her family livery yard. In her twenties she competed in show jumping and eventing now concentrates on dressage. She has ridden to PSG level and would love to ride at GP level. Sarah is very aware of how easily horses are injured and how many horses show signs of pain and are carrying a chronic injury, she's helped in the rehabilitation of many horses, which led to her interest in equine massage and also sparked her interest in Thermal Imaging.
Sarah has a special interest in poor performance related issues, especially sacroiliac issues having had several horses of her own and clients horses with this particular problem. She understands how difficult this chronic condition is to diagnose and because of it chronicity how difficult it is to treat. She is very excited in the use of thermography for early diagnosis of SI pain which will help lead to earlier treatment of this condition which for so many horses causes the end of their ridden career.
When she's not with horses, she's spending time with her husband and four children, her eldest is twenty one and youngest fourteen, all have different interests so she's busy supporting them in what they want to do. She has two horses, two ponies and a dog called Spring whom the whole family absolutely adore. She enjoys most sports and loves to practice yoga in her spare time.
What is your most memorable thermographic experience?
Imaging a young horse for poor performance. Our report being used by attending vet to aid her evaluation and her diagnostics completely correlating with our findings. (SI case and early detection case) The horse was treated and is now back in full work.
What has been your best day at work as an imaging consultant?
Attending 2019 annual Conference, realising how lucky I am to work with such a great bunch of amazing people, who all hold the same values towards animals as I do.