- Infrared Themorgraphy or Thermology (IRT), Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI), Medical Infrared Digital Imaging (MIDI), Infrared Digital Imaging (IDI), Medical Infrared Thermography or Thermology (MIT), Medical Infrared Imaging (MII), and Veterinary Infrared Themography or Thermology (VIT) are all names for digitally imaging a living animal or person with an infrared camera and using computer software for interpretation of the infrared images (thermal maps).
- Infrared Thermography (IRT) is a physiological test rather than an anatomical test such as x-rays, ultrasound, MRI,
or CT scan, and it is a completely non-invasive test performed at a distance from the animal.
- IRT shows areas of both inflammation (usually hot) and nerve dysfunction (usually cold) in the patterns produced.
- IRT helps the veterinarian locate the animal's problem areas so that further medical investigation via x-rays, ultrasound or other diagnostic modality, can focus on the anatomical areas most likely to be responsible for the patient's physical symptoms. IRT should be the first follow-up technology used after the physical exam (and blood work-up if needed) for better diagnostic efficiency.
- Infrared cameras take images in a color "palette" of black, white, and shades of gray. Arbitrary color is added through computer software to make temperature differences more easily definable. The images are identical regardless of the color.
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