Comparison of thermographic imaging and other diagnostic techniques in diagnosis of cattle with laminitis

Background: Lameness results in major economic losses on dairy farms. The proportion of lameness in cows are between 4-55%, the origin of 90% lameness are caused by foot diseases. Hoof abnormalities such as laminitis are major contributors to lameness. Aim of the study, compared with thermographic imaging (IRT) and radiographic, magnetic resonans (MR), computer tomography (CT), histopathological analysis on the diagnosis of laminitis. Materials, Methods & Results: Preliminary, the animals (20 Holstein-Fresian) were selected by lameness examination for evaluation of the for any obvious signs of disease. The animals were examined when rising and walking of the free stalls. Walking was very painful and clinical symptoms of general distress become present for laminitic group. The cows were scored on a 1 to 5 scale for their locomotion (1 = normal locomotion; 5 = severely lame). Thermographic examinations were performed the all animals after the routine clinical examination methods. The infrared images were taken from the dorsal view of all hoovesto monitor the temperature of coronary band. All images were scanned using a hand-held portable infrared camera (Wahl, Thermal Imager HSI3000 Series), which was calibrated to ambient temperature and absorptive conditions. Incentives radiological examinations, dorso-palmar and latero-medial shooting was done for using of (Regius Model 110 Konica, Minolta) 70 kV and 30 mAs for each claws. MRI images of all isolated digits were performed at the Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany. Continuous series of transversal, sagital and dorsoplantar scan were obtained from all digit. Computer tomography (CT), isolated digits were performed at the Imaging Department of Radiology, by using Siemens Symphony Erlangen, Germany. CT scanner was used to obtain contiguous slices from the region of the proximal sesamoid bones to the toe. Anterior side (laminar and perilaminar tissues) of the claws was uncovered with electric wheel. Tissue samples were taken 10% buffered formaldehyde solution after establishing a routine laboratory procedure following the prepared paraffin blocks 5 micrometers thick sections with hematoxylineosin dye method according to the staining. It was finally examined by light microscopy. The computer soft ware of the infrared thermal camera showed increased local temperature, by 0.5-1.5°C, between the normal and suspected regions for laminitic cases. Clinically, animals suspected of laminitis were showed general stiffness, lameness during walking difficulty. Examination of the claws was demonstrated of rings and plump appearance was evident in paries ungulae. The main damage was seen during trimming of the sole from no hemorrhages or discoloration of control group. The transversal MRI images provided excellent depictions of anatomical structures when compared to their corresponding pictures. Identifiable anatomic structure was labeled on the line drawings of the limb sections and on the corresponding CT images. Twenty out of 30 claws (65%) were shown laminitis statistical with histopathological examination. In histopathological examination; mononuclear cells and neutrophil granulocytes infilrations and edema, haemorrhagia, mild hyperemia in the lamellar region was remarkable in laminitic cases. Discussion: As a results, thermographic examination may have potential as a detection tool for laminitis. MR transversal images provided excellent depiction of anatomical structures and many biometric research in the bovine hoof can be easily investigated. The usefulness of IRT, MRI, CT in evaluating laminitis in the acute patient remains stil open. The use of diagnostic techniques during the initial active phase of laminitis as a means to increase the understanding of the disease and also serves as a justification for the development of an experiment involving live cows induces laminitis.