Old Meets New Hi-Tech in Horseshoeing
by Kelly Case
Old Meets New Shur Shod Horseshoeing School Brings Hi-Tech to Horseshoeing ShurShod Horseshoeing School has jumped into the future with all four feet!
After seeing a demonstration of Thermal Imaging while attending the 2006 BWFA convention we were hooked. We realized that this was going to be a valuable tool not only for teaching but for diagnostics in the day to day hoof care that we do. It was decided that we would purchase a camera. My wife Rose (a BWFA Apprentice II) and I attended a school in Florida and received our certification in Infrared Digital Imaging and Analysis. Once we returned from an informative but grueling program we hit the ground running and what we have found has been amazing to say the least!
We have been using thermal imaging not only for diagnostics but for research, and the testing of products. The horse in the photo has had a problem with intermittent lameness, on the front. The initial thermo graphic images indicated excessive heat in both front feet. The horse was shod and a pour in pad was used. In this image the foot on the right has had the shoe and pad applied for only 20 minutes and there is already a noticeable reduction in the heat to the foot.
This next photo shows the importance of regular hoof care for the horse. This horse had not seen a farrier in three years. The white areas are the hottest which shows not only inflammation within the hoof capsule but also up the whole leg. ShurShod is planning on hosting clinics this spring and summer featuring the uses and values of Infrared Imaging, for both the farrier and the horse owner.
As thermal imaging sees heat it can detect potential problems before they become serious problems. Thermal imaging is also capable of picking up soft tissue injuries that are not detected by x-rays. Thermal imaging reads the heat radiation from the horse, and does not expose the horse, the owner or the camera operator to any harmful radioactivity.
We have been using thermal imaging not only for diagnostics but for research, and the testing of products. The horse in the photo has had a problem with intermittent lameness, on the front. The initial thermo graphic images indicated excessive heat in both front feet. The horse was shod and a pour in pad was used. In this image the foot on the right has had the shoe and pad applied for only 20 minutes and there is already a noticeable reduction in the heat to the foot.
The next photo shows the importance of regular hoof care for the horse. This horse had not seen a farrier in three years. The white areas are the hottest which shows not only inflammation within the hoof capsule but also up the whole leg. ShurShod is planning on hosting clinics this spring and summer featuring the uses and values of Infrared Imaging, for both the farrier and the horse owner
For photos, see page 11 in Spring 2007 Bulletin.
For more information contact Kelly Case at 417-462-7848 or email kelly@shurshod.com.