Scintigraphy
Nuclear Scintigraphy, or bone scanning, is used in some lameness investigation. It uses a radioactive material (technetium) bound to another compound which is taken up by the skeleton. In areas where there is more bone activity there will be increased uptake of the radioactive material. In some areas this may be normal (e.g. around joints) but in other areas it can be an abnormal increase in bone activity e.g. fractures.
The radioactive material emits gamma radiation which we detect with a gamma camera, during the scan. This is then converted into an image of the skeleton
What does a bone scan entail?
Your horse will be admitted to the Breadstone clinic and is injected with the radioactive material. Approximately two hours later the bone scan will be performed. The images can be evaluated immediately for any abnormalities. Your horse will have to stay in overnight. Any further diagnostic procedures, such as nerve blocks and radiographs, can be carried out in the afternoon of the following day, once the radioactivity levels have dropped to a safe level (radioactivity gradually decays).
Is it safe?
Bone scanning will cause no deleterious effects on your horse and while your horse is in the clinic we follow strict safety protocols with regards to ionizing radiation. The radiation levels in your horse will gradually decay (reduce) so that when your horse comes home it can be treated as normal.
How much will it cost?
This depends on what area of your horse is being scanned. Most insurance companies will pay for the scan but you should inform them in advance.