Nuclear scintigraphy, commonly referred to as “bone scan” is a safe and effective imaging and diagnostic technique. Nuclear scintigraphy utilizes a radioisotope that is injected intravenously (IV). The radioisotope then circulates the body and accumulates in areas of inflammation and/or bone remodeling. A large gamma camera then captures an image that indicates where the radioisotope is accumulating. “Hot spots” are areas of increased radioisotope uptake indicating an area of inflammation and/or bone remodeling.
This procedure is used to localize sites of injury and inflammation when other diagnostics such as nerve blocks, radiographs, and ultrasound are inconclusive. It can also be utilized in determining the origin of difficult to diagnose lameness problems, poor performance, multiple limb lamenesses, thoraco-lumbar (mid-back) pain, and pelvic pain. Nuclear scintigraphy is highly sensitive for identifying early changes, specifically early fractures that may not yet be detectable using traditional imaging techniques. Nuclear scintigraphy can also be used to monitor healing in certain injuries. Unlike MRI this procedure does not require general anesthesia, only sedation. Nuclear scintigraphy requires placement of an IV catheter. The procedure requires removal of your horse's shoes. Your horse needs to arrive the day before the nuclear scintigraphy and will be hospitalized for 24 hours following the procedure to ensure adequate elimination of the radioisotope.
