These case studies demonstrate how digital infrared thermal imaging can provide an objective assessment of feline and canine patients.
Case study #1
Presentation: Feline patient with a history of a gradual reduction in activity.
A physical examination did not localize any sites of discomfort. Digital infrared thermal images were captured utilizing a Digatherm 640 unit.
Interpretation of the thermal images
Both hind limbs (Figures 1 and 2) exhibited increases within the thermal gradients associated with the stifle joints. The left stifle revealed an increased hyperthermic asymmetry when compared to the right. Interpretation indicates inflammation within both stifle joints.
In the right hind limb increases in thermal gradients were noted within the soft tissues radiating out from the stifle joint, particularly over the sartorius and biceps femoralis muscles (Figure 1). Indication of not only an inflammatory process within the joint but an illustration of the strain on the surrounding compensatory soft tissue structures.
In the left hind limb areas of hyperthermia were noted directly over the stifle joint and decreased in intensity as they radiate to surrounding soft tissues (Figure 2). Interpretation suggests a lesser amount of inflammation within this joint as the compensatory soft tissue structures surrounding the joint are exhibiting reduced areas of hyperthermic activity when compared to contralateral structures on the right.
After this visual representation of their pet’s physiological state to the client, permission was granted to do a radiographic study of both stifles. This lead to a diagnosis of osteoarthritis.
tPEMF therapy was prescribed using the Assisi Loop. This was done three times per day for one week, once per day the second week, and every other day the third week.
Digital thermal image re-evaluation:
Interpretation of thermal images:
After an interpretative analysis of the images:
The right stifle experienced a 91% decrease in the hyperthermic activity. Also, there was an increase within the thermal gradients throughout the distal limb. Interpretation: a decrease in inflammation within the original hyperthermic areas and a re-establishment of normal circulation throughout the distal limb.
The left stifle underwent a 96% decrease within all of the hyperthermic areas observed originally. There was also an increase within the thermal gradients associated within the phalangeal structures. Interpretation: a decrease within the inflammatory state of the stifle joint and the surrounding structures and a re-establishment of the circulatory pattern within the distal limb.
Summary
The treatment plan successfully reduced the inflammatory response within all of the hyperthermic regions and objective measurements are recorded to monitor this patient again in thirty days.
Clinically, the patient has regained movement that has not been observed in years.
Case study #2
Presentation: hind limb paralysis. Case contributed by Dominic Gucciardo DVM, CVA; Integrative Veterinary Therapies; Ridge, NY.
The initial dorsal thermal image (Figure 1) of the thoracolumbar area showed symmetrical and asymmetrical hypothermic activity throughout numerous vertebral and paravertebral segments. Thermal window of 73-92°F. Interpretation: this correlates to an asymmetrical irritation to the nerve supply to the vasculature in each anatomical region of interest.
Electroacupuncture of Bai hui, GV14, GV4, ST36, and BL23 was administered.
Eighteen minutes after electroacupuncture. Thermal window of 73-92°F. Evidence of increases within all thermal gradients throughout image. This is a visualization and a quantitative measurement of the re-establishment of the circulation within the regions of interest.
Twenty-eight minutes after electroacupuncture. The monitoring images (Figures 2 and 3) show progressive increases within the thermal gradients in the areas initially identified as hypothermic. This indicates a normalization in circulation from re-establishment of neurological function following electroacupuncture.
