Nuclear Scintigraphy

Nuclear scintigraphy has also been referred to as the bone scan, nuclear scan, and nuclear medicine. This diagnostic modality is one of the most sensitive tools available for evaluating the musculoskeletal system of the horse. Nuclear scintigraphy is a very sensitive diagnostic tool, allowing us to evaluate both soft tissue and bony structures. There are different options available for nuclear scintigraphy, based on which areas of the horse are of interest. Following is a list of options that the Ontario Equine Hospital offers.

Full Body Nuclear Scan

Consists of a series of images to evaluate bony tissues of the horse. Areas covered include the entire fore and hind limbs and the pelvis.

Half Body Nuclear Scan

Consists of a series of images to evaluate bony tissues of either the front or the hind end of the horse. Areas covered for a hind end nuclear scan include the hind limbs and the pelvis. Areas covered for a front end nuclear scan include the fore limbs.

Cervical, Back, or Skull Images

The skull or cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine may be imaged upon request.

Soft Tissue Nuclear Scan

The soft tissue structures of the lower limbs may be imaged upon request.Areas covered include any tendon or ligament structures below the carpus (knee) in the forelimb, and below the tarsus (hock) in the hindlimb.

Kissing Spine Lesion

When Should Nuclear Scintigraphy Be Considered?

Horses with a history of poor performance and no evident lameness
Horses with a history of lameness or poor performance that is suspected to be multifocal in origin
When lameness originating from the upper limbs or pelvis is suspected
Subtle or intermittent lameness
Lameness that has not been able to be identified or localized with other diagnostics (nerve blocks, radiographs, ultrasound, etc.)
To monitor the progress of previously diagnosed fractures or other injuries of bone or soft tissue
Pre-purchase examinations

The Nuclear Scan Procedure

All patients booked for nuclear scintigraphy arrive to the hospital the day before the procedure. This allows us to have an adequate amount of time to prepare the horse for the procedure the following day. All nuclear scans are carried out by either a veterinarian or a Registered Veterinary Technician. Two hours prior to the imaging procedure, the horse is injected intravenously with a radioactive isotope called Technitium (TC-99). This isotope concentrates in areas where there is high metabolic activity of the tissues or inflammation present, also referred to as a “hot spot”. Once the horse is ready to be imaged, sedation is administered to facilitate the process and therefore enable us to maximize the quality of the images obtained.

Nuclear scintigraphy images of the horse are acquired using a Gamma Camera, and areas of abnormal isotope uptake are identified. Areas of abnormal uptake may include chip fractures, stress fractures or remodelling, osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease), and soft tissue injuries to ligament or tendon structures.

Post Nuclear Scintigraphy

The images of the nuclear scan are interpreted within 24 hours following the scan, and a report is prepared outlining the results of the scan, interpretation, and recommended options for treatments or further diagnostics. Following the nuclear scan, patients are hospitalized for a minimum of 48 hours, and confined to a stall to allow the radioisotope to decay. This ensures both patient and handler safety. If you would like to book a nuclear scan, surgery, or appointment, or if you have any questions please contact us. We would be happy to accommodate your request.

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