title: Introduction of the use of thermography and thermometry in the diagnosis of uveitis in horses: a pilot project.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To date assessment of changes in ocular temperature, as a hallmark of uveitis in horses has not been determined. Therefore the aim of the current study was to determine whether ocular temperature is increased in acute uveitic eyes compared with non-uveitic eyes, and to compare an affordable thermometry device with a thermography device.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ocular temperatures of both eyes of five horses with acute unilateral uveitis and 10 normal horses were measured using thermometry and thermography. Presence and absence of acute uveitis were diagnosed through a complete ophthalmological examination. Ambient temperature and core body temperature were also recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The difference in temperatures between uveitic eyes and non-uveitic eyes was marked but not statistically significant (mean thermography temperature 34.0°C sd±1.6°C and 32.7°C sd±2.4°C, respectively v mean thermometry temperature 34.0°C sd±1.9°C and 31.6°C sd±3.1°C, respectively). No influence of core body temperature on either method was detected. Thermography was less influenced by ambient temperature than was thermometry.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In conclusion uveitic eyes are not significantly warmer than non-uveitic eyes. Despite the lack of significance, a tendency towards increased ocular temperature in uveitic eyes, compared with non-uveitic eyes was noted. Therefore more research on this topic is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals and Horses , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria.
authors.forename: J O
authors.initials: JO
authors.lastname: Rushton
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tichy
authors.affiliation: Department of Companion Animals and Horses , University of Veterinary Medicine , Vienna , Austria.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Nell
keywords: horse; thermography; uveitis