Digital thermal imaging cameras have become a very interesting aspect to diagnosis of underlying injuries in animals. In many instances, it is difficult to diagnose large animals (i.e. elephants, rhinos, etc…) that may exhibit signs of ailment.

Often researchers are unsure if these large animals are even in pain until the animal is completely sedated and brought in for an overview. Also, some species may be endangered and prohibited to be directly handled by law. The use of non-invasive technology such as Digital thermal imaging cameras can create an option to examine animals from a distance.

Digital thermal imaging cameras are used to diagnose ailments such as joint pain, infection, and sinus pressure to name a few. This is done by examining heat parameters captured by images recorded from the instrument. The images are viewed as a variety of colors defined by a scale on screen. The images are easily diagnosed for problems by using this scale, or can be viewed after downloading via USB onto a computer. The software often provided can register exact temperatures and provide detailed information about the animal’s ailment. Images will depict a warmer area where pain is observed in the animal. This is due to the body’s natural response to pain. Increased blood flow, which in turn registers a higher temperature in that area, will show the researcher with great accuracy as to where the animal is injured.

This is extremely useful in joint pain also. The digital thermal imaging camera will show great detail of the joint itself as well as areas in which it has become inflamed. Also, the scale used can provide differences in heat in the area that will allow researchers to examine exactly to what degree the animal is experiencing pain. With uses such as this in large animals, it is possible for veterinarians to provide the needed care for the animal without complete sedation. Animals that are endangered can also be cared for in similar ways by providing a snapshot of the animal that may exibit joint pain, and it can later be given the needed medication out in the field.

This type of non invasive monitoring has become very popular in wildlife conservation and zoological parks as well. Not only can it be used to simply diagnose pain, but also to provide an animal's surface temperature to detect if an animal's captive habitat is too warm, or cold. Such technology is also used in humans. Hopefully in the future, this will become a highly sought after technology to detect simple and complex problems due to the creation of newer, low cost cameras.

by Marcus M.

About the Author:

Marcus has used such thermal imaging in previous research ventures.