Thermal images do not act as diagnosis alone but is used to identify the area for which further investigations such as x-rays or ultrasounds can be used to confirm a diagnosis by a vet.

 

Experienced horse owners/trainers are able to identify heat in a leg or foot by using their hands, but there are often symptoms of discomfort or poor performance where the horse shows no physical signs of injury.   

 

The human hand cannot identify changes in temperature of less than 2 degrees; however, a thermal camera can detect changes of less than 0.5 degree, making it much easier to identify a problem.