Avaliação clínica e termográfica de dor toracolombar em cavalos de salto associada à termografia da sela

Abstract

The high incidence of spinal problems, together with the difficulty of a diagnosis, and the importance of such anatomical region for the equine locomotion justify investigations, especially those regarding high a quality diagnosis and thus therapeutical innovation. The use of thermography is becoming an important tool to assess back pain in horses, being used as an auxiliary diagnostic method. 39 horses were evaluated, jumping modality, by a questionnaire, clinical examination and thermography of the spine and saddle. In the present study, all animals presented thoracolumbar alteration and, consequently, pain, since none of them had a properly adjusted saddle. Correlations were found between thermographic alterations of the horse´s back with clinical examination and thermography of the saddle. Thermography is a great ally of clinical examination, but it does not replace it. After the lameness exam, the veterinarian should perform a thoracolumbar examination as well as the saddle fit as part of the diagnostic work.