Thermal Imaging and Stance Analysis

Thermal Imaging

What is Thermal Imaging?

Thermal imaging (digital infrared thermography) is a non-invasive, no-contact tool that helps us “see” patterns of heat at the body’s surface. This can highlight areas of inflammation, poor circulation, or muscle overuse before they are obvious on exam or visible on X-rays.   At our practice, thermal imaging is an adjunct tool. We combine it with a thorough history, hands-on examination, and other diagnostics as needed. Used this way, it helps us see the “big picture,” tailor your pet’s treatment plan, and monitor their comfort and mobility over time.

How it works

• An infrared camera captures the heat (infrared radiation) coming from your pet’s surface tissues.
• Specialized veterinary software converts this information into a visual, color-coded thermal images
• Warmer areas can suggest increased blood flow from inflammation, strain, or infection.
• Cooler areas may point to reduced blood flow or areas your pet is “protecting” or not using fully.

Better understanding of pain and movement

• Helps pinpoint areas of discomfort, inflammation and muscle overuse that may not be obvious on a routine exam.
• For pets that are stoic, driven or have subtle changes it is an additional tool to help them tell us why they are “off”.
• Reveals secondary problem areas (for example, a sore back from compensating for a bad knee or hip).
• Can help identify early changes before they show up as obvious limping or mobility loss.

Tracks progress over time

• Providing visual, measurable changes over time as your pet goes through rehab or other therapies.

Gentle and low-stress

• Completely non-invasive and contact-free.
• No sedation needed; most pets simply stand, sit, or lie comfortably.
• Especially helpful for pets who are painful, anxious, or don’t like being touched.

Veterinary Stance Analyzer

Our Veterinary Stance Analyzer is a specialized platform that measures how your pet distributes weight through all four limbs while standing. Subtle changes in posture and weight shifting are often the earliest signs of pain, joint disease, or compensation. What we may not see with the naked eye, the stance analyzer can quantify in seconds.  It also allows us to follow changes as your pet advances through therapy.

By having your pet stand quietly on the sensor plate, we can:

• Measure weight distribution in each limb as a percentage of total body weight
• Detect early lameness or compensation that may not yet be obvious in the walk or trot
• Compare front vs. hind limb loading for pets with knee, hip, elbow, or spinal issues
• Track progress over time to see whether therapy, surgery, or medication is actually helping
• Fine-tune rehab plans (exercise intensity, assistive devices, bracing) based on objective data

Why this matters for your pet:

Painful pets rarely “tell” us with a limp alone. They may simply shift weight, stand crooked, or tire quickly. The stance analyzer gives us a clear, numeric picture of how comfortable your pet is on each limb so we can:

• Identify problem areas earlier
• Monitor recovery after surgery or injury
• Adjust exercises and home care with confidence
• Document improvements you can see and we can measure

What your pet experiences

The test is quick, non-invasive, and stress-free: your pet simply stands on a flat platform while we record a short series of readings. Most pets tolerate it very well, and we often repeat measurements at key points in their rehabilitation so we can celebrate real, measurable progress together.