Nuclear Scintigraphy Referrals
Scintigraphy (bone scanning) continues to gain momentum as an important diagnostic aid for the equine lameness diagnostician. We use this technique selectively for the diagnosis of bone abnormality where we have defined the site involved or occasionally where nuclear screening is indicated. We are also pleased to offer our gamma camera on a referral basis where scintigraphic examination has been determined to be the next step.
Gamma scintigraphic examinations produce a significant risk of radioactive exposure to staff and veterinary surgeons and so they should not be undertaken without a clear clinical aim. The temptation to use scintigraphic examinations as screening procedures before commencing normal lameness work-ups must be avoided if we are to maintain exposure levels of ourselves and staff to within acceptable limits.
There are several areas of lameness investigation in which scintigraphy is particularly useful and there are other areas where it is often unrewarding. These are outlined in the file below, which is available for downloading.
