temperature distribution on the surface of an animal’s body. The surface temperature values
obtained in IRT depend on the quantitative impact of the conditions of the surrounding
environment and the thermoregulatory response of the animal. Besides the blood perfusion
volume, the skin temperature depends on the metabolic rate of tissues, the type and colour
of the hair coat, and the thickness of the adipose tissue. In a healthy organism, the temperature
distribution between individual parts of the body shows a high degree of symmetry.
Analysis of the surface temperature distribution of a given area of the body of an animal
which is in homeostasis with the external environment provides a great deal of valuable
information. By comparing the same parts of the body, we can easily identify hot spots, and
the additional knowledge gained during more extensive veterinary diagnostics increases the
chance of establishing the cause of this condition. The reliability of IRT depends on the
technical parameters of the cameras, environmental conditions, the operator’s experience,
the animal’s individual characteristics, and the testing methodology. As many factors can
affect the surface temperature distribution of an animal’s body, and thus the result of the
thermographic measurement, the effect of any stimuli interfering with the measurements
should be minimized during thermal imaging. Additionally, in order to reduce the risk of
misinterpretation of the image, normalization protocols for imaging parameters, i.e. standards
ensuring reliable results, should be applied. The main limitation in the implementation
of these standards in thermography of livestock animals is that it is not possible to
compare thermograms made under different environmental conditions. Research has been carried out to assess the suitability of thermal imaging cameras in diagnosing inflammatory
changes in the skin of cattle. The technique was found to have great potential in predicting
local inflammation (hoof, udder or skin disease). Normalization protocols must be developed
for imaging parameters, i.e. standards that will ensure reliable results in a variety of
environmental conditions.
Age dependence of thermal imaging analysis of body surface temperature in women after cryostimulation