Practical application of thermography in the diagnosis of hoof arrow pathologies in horses

Abstract

Healthy hooves are essential for the normal life of the horse, they carry the weight of the animal and cushion the impact force of each movement, protecting the joints from damage. Under load, the hoof increases blood flow to the limb. Hoof problems can lead to lameness causing discomfort to the horse and potentially leading to withdrawal from training. There are various methods for assessing hoof health. In veterinary practice, radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used. All of these methods require special and expensive equipment, as well as physical manipulation of horses. Thermography is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that involves scanning the animal's surface temperature to look for areas representing potential vascular changes. Because thermography is non-invasive and inexpensive, it can be used to detect early changes before lameness occurs. Fifteen healthy horses and 15 horses diagnosed with arrowroot rot were selected for the study in 2024 under the conditions of equestrian complexes in St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. A thermographic study of hoof temperature with healthy arrowroot and hooves with arrowroot thrush was carried out. Analyses were made based on the studies. The study showed that in healthy animals there were no significant differences between paired hooves, while in animals with arrowhead thrush there was a difference in temperature. Comparison of groups using nonparametric Mann-Whitney test showed statistically significant deviation of temperature from the plantar surface in the area of the arrow in animals with arrow lesions.