These are two diagnostic modalities we commonly use to help us gain a definitive diagnosis of several disease states. These are for diagnosis only and have no therapeutic value. They are used both in small animal and equine practice for similar problems.
Themography uses an infrared camera to measure the temperature of any area of skin on the dog or horse. Since an increase in temperature (heat) is always present with inflammation, this is a diagnostic tool for inflammation. Inflammation is caused by trauma or infection (bacterial, viral or fungal). The heat can be due to skin disease but heat produced in the deeper tissues will radiate into the covering skin also causing a rise in skin temperature. So, by comparing the heat in one area of skin to the heat in the same area on the other side of the body we can localize the area of inflammation and proceed with other diagnostic measures such as x-rays.
Ultrasound allows us to visualize the internal structures of the body. It is a diagnostic tool, in small animals, that helps us to identify such disease as:
| Heart problems | Gastrointestinal disease |
| Pneumonia | Kidney abnormalities |
| Fluid in the chest | Urinary tract disease |
| Tumors | Peritonitis |
| Liver abnormalities | Pregnancy |
Also useful in the horse, ultrasound helps us diagnose tendon and ligament damage, displaced abdominal organs, pleutitis, peritonitis, pneumonia, abscesses and pregnancy.
