HISTORY AND SUBJECTIVE COMPLAINTS
The horse presented with a low grade, left fore limb lameness. As the lameness was subtle an impacting performance localising the potential pathology was the first step before further diagnostic could be performed. A full clinical examination was performed and full body infrared imaging was selected to start the investigation.
THERMOGRAPHIC INTERPRETATION: The primary finding was dorsal hyperthermic asymmetry of the left forefoot at the level of the coronet, along with significant thermal asymmetry on palmer heel views (L>R) This finding indicated deep foot pathology and MRI was advised to investigate further.
CONCLUSION & FOLLOW UP: The patient underwent an MRI scan of both front feet as indicated by the infrared images. In the left fore foot this revealed a tear within the lateral collateral ligament of the coffin joint and enlargement of the lateral aspect of the navicular suspensory ligament.
Infrared imaging helped to isolate the LF foot, rule out other suspected issues and provided additional information that warranted MRI. It is important to understand that infrared imaging cannot see structure and MRI imaging is the gold standard approach for deep foot pathology but using infrared imaging to isolate and warrant additional diagnostics is a key application in veterinary medicine.
Results were produced by veterinary surgeons.
