• Corpus ID: 58526286

Thermographic imaging in cats and dogs : Usability as a clinical method

@inproceedings{Vainionp2014ThermographicII,
  title={Thermographic imaging in cats and dogs : Usability as a clinical method},
  author={Mari H Vainionp{\"a}{\"a}},
  year={2014}
}

• M. Vainionpää
• Published 6 June 2014
• Medicine

Th ermographic imaging has been studied and used widely in human and equine medicine, but published data from small animal medicine is still lacking. Th e primary aim of this study was to obtain basic knowledge of the method of thermographic imaging and to map possible areas of its use in companion animals. To determine the requirements for an optimal thermal camera, three cameras with diff erent resolutions (80 x 80 pixels, 180 x 180 pixels and 320 x 240 pixels) were tested. A total of six thermographic images were taken from the hips of 49 dogs of 26 breeds. Two images were shot with each of the three thermal cameras. Two diff erent persons took the thermographic images with the three cameras. Repeatability between thermographers and interpreters was studied. Th e usability of basic soft ware for interpreting the thermographic images was examined by having three individuals interpret the thermographic images. Th e camera with the resolution of 320 x 240 pixels was considered the most suitable for thermographic imaging in dogs and, therefore, the rest of the studies were carried out using this camera. Th e impact of physical exercise on canine superfi cial temperature was studied with 47 racing greyhounds during two race days. Four superfi cial temperature points from the right and left hind leg were selected (Tendo calcaneus, Musculus gastrocnemius, Musculus gracilis and Musculus biceps femoris portio caudalis) to compare the changes in superfi cial temperatures before and aft er the race. Th e temperatures diff ered by 0–4 degrees at each selected point between the right and left legs aft er the completion of the race. However, no systematic asymmetry was detected between the dogs’ left and right side. Th e superfi cial temperatures were signifi cantly colder when the ambient temperature was lower. Cats are known to be challenging subjects in clinical examinations and, therefore, more feline-friendly study methods are required. Th ermographic imaging was used to detect temperature diff erences between both sides of 103 cats and, further, as an indicator of potentially painful processes. Both long-haired (n = 26) and short-haired (n = 77) cats were included. Th e cats that tolerated manual manipulation were also physically palpated. Owners fi lled in a questionnaire about the behaviour of their cat and estimated whether the cat was in any pain. Th e questionnaire responses, the owner’s estimation of pain on a scale and thermographic imaging with palpation suggested that thermographic imaging is a potential tool of choice in clinical practice for detecting and screening cats potentially in pain. Certain drugs used in sedation and anaesthesia aff ect cardiovascular function. Peripheral temperature changes induced by distinct sedation protocols in dogs (n = 8) were identifi ed by thermographic imaging from the digital and metatarsal foot pads. Th e obtained foot pad temperatures were compared to the rectal temperature of the same animal. Th e results indicated that superfi cial temperature changes caused by certain sedative drugs can be detected and monitored with thermographic imaging. Our studies suggested that thermographic imaging is a practical clinical method with dogs and cats. However, the eff ects of physical exercise and medications should be taken into consideration when interpreting thermographic images.