Fall 2019 As horse owners we have all dealt with lameness problems and understand how frustrating they can become. Horses are like any athlete, they perform and exercise and sometimes become sore. The first problem is that before we can even get started in trying to help them is that we must figure out what is bothering them. The best lameness examinations start with obtaining an accurate history on the horse. This is followed by a complete physical examination looking closely at the horses conformation as well differences in body symmetry. Finally, the lameness examination, where your horse is walked and trotted and perhaps even ridden to try to decipher what is hurting. Flexion tests, nerve and joint blocks are […]
Tag: nuclear scintigraphy
Bone Scans
Nuclear Scintigraphy is commonly called a bone scan. Bone scans are very sensitive ways to image orthopedic conditions in the horse. The technique uses a biologically safe radioisotope combined with a compound used by bone to target areas where there are bony changes or where the bone is actively forming, such in areas of injury or fracture. This compound, known as a radiopharmaceutical, is injected into the bloodstream of the horse and then a special camera, called a gamma camera, is used to image the musculoskeletal system. Abnormal areas, called lesions (or areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake) are seen as “hot” or “cold” spots on the images. These images can be viewed on a monitor or printed on paper. Bone scans are especially useful in helping […]