Temperature range analysis (T_{max}) on dorsal surface of sporting horses

Authors: EWA JODKOWSKA, KRZYSZTOF DUDEK, MARIA SOROKO

Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine temperature differences on the dorsal surface of 32 clinically healthy show jumping horses. Temperature was measured using a Thermovision 550 (FLIR) camera, determining maximum temperature (T_{max}). The horse?s body was divided into the following regions: neck, withers, cranial back, caudal back, loins, and hindquarters. Those regions were subdivided into middle, left, and right parts. Statistical methods used for calculations consisted of Wilcoxon?s signed rank test and Dunn?s post hoc comparison test. Temperatures on the dorsal surface ranged from 19.5 to 31.5 °C, with the lowest indicated in the withers area and the highest in the caudal back and hindquarters area. Temperatures on the sides tended to be symmetrical except for the caudal back region, where the temperature of the right side was higher than of the left side. The data can be used for determination of unfavorable stimulation of the back and loin region by the rider and saddle, as well as for diagnosing conditions that result in increased temperature in the dorsal area.

Keywords: Horses, thermography, dorsal body surface, maximum temperatures

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