Thermography is a diagnostic technique which evaluates the physiological functions based on the exothermal states of Infrared rays emitted. The aim of this study is to compare thermal differences with diseased tissues of horses by using thermographer. In specific, we confirmed the temperature differences (3.29°C) of horses having hoof abscesses. Furthermore, the comparison between X-ray and thermogram from horses showing lameness proposed some unique usefulness of thermography in diagnosing hoof abscess against radiology. By conducting 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing of microbes originating from the hoof abscess, we isolated Staphylococcus sciuri (S. sciuri) and Corynebacterium glutamicum (C. glutamicum) and conducted antimicrobial sensitivity test in order to give recommendations of curing hoof abscess. S. sciuri (KJSC) and C. glutamicum (KJCG) represented strong susceptibility to Amikacin, Enrofloxacin and Sulphamethoxazole and moderate susceptibility to Tobramycin. In conclusion, thermography, an easy and non-invasive technique, will become a valuable diagnostic technique allowing equine practitioners to assure initial diagnosis and healing process of various diseases in the future.

Keywords

Antimicrobial sensitivity test; Hoof abscess; Lameness; Thermography