Analysis of thermographic, radiographic and ultrasonographic results in diagnosing orthopedic diseases in racehorses

The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of thermography as a complementary method in diagnosing injuries to the lower part of forelimbs during the training cycle of racehorses. The study was conducted on 20 horses, whose forelimbs were examined at the same time by thermography, USG and RTG in three stages over a period of 6 months. The average temperature differences were measured from the dorsal and palmar views of the metacarpal bone in the same areas of the right and left forelimbs. The ultrasonography of the cross-sectional area of the superficial digital flexor tendon revealed differences between the same areas of the metacarpal bone in the right and left forelimbs. Radiography detected differences in the thickness of the metacarpal bone cortex in those limbs. The results of the three examinations were compared with the Spearman correlation coefficient. Thermography and USG examinations were correlated in the diagnosis of the clinical signs of inflammation and therefore can be used alternatively. RTG examinations correlated with thermography in the final stages of the inflammatory processes.