A bone scan is a type of imaging test used to determine the health of a horse’s bones. Bone scans use a radioactive tracer, usually technetium-99m, to detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism. This test can help diagnose fractures, infection, arthritis, or tumors.
What Does a Bone Scan Show in Horses?
A bone scan in horses can show a number of different things. It can detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism, which can indicate a number of different issues. It can also detect fractures, infection, arthritis, and tumors.
Increased Bone Metabolism
Increased bone metabolism can indicate a number of different issues. It can indicate bone growth, such as with fractures or bone spurs. It can also indicate the presence of infection or inflammation, such as with osteomyelitis or arthritis.
Decreased Bone Metabolism
Decreased bone metabolism can indicate a number of different issues. It can indicate a decrease in bone growth, such as in cases of osteoporosis or age-related bone thinning. It can also indicate the presence of a tumor or other mass, such as a tumor of the bone or soft tissue.
Fractures
Bone scans can be used to detect fractures. A fracture is a break in the continuity of a bone, and can be the result of trauma or stress. Bone scans can detect fractures in the early stages, before they are visible on X-rays.
Infection
Bone scans can be used to detect infection or inflammation in the bone. Infection or inflammation can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and can cause bone destruction and pain. Bone scans can detect areas of increased bone metabolism which can indicate the presence of infection or inflammation.
Arthritis
Bone scans can be used to detect arthritis. Arthritis is a condition caused by inflammation of the joints and can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. Bone scans can detect areas of increased bone metabolism which can indicate the presence of arthritis.
Tumors
Bone scans can be used to detect tumors. Tumors can be benign or malignant, and can cause destruction of the bone and pain. Bone scans can detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism, which can indicate the presence of a tumor.
Bone Spurs
Bone scans can be used to detect bone spurs. Bone spurs are small bony outgrowths which can cause pain and restricted movement. Bone scans can detect areas of increased bone metabolism, which can indicate the presence of a bone spur.
Osteoporosis
Bone scans can be used to detect osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition caused by age-related bone thinning, which can cause pain and fractures. Bone scans can detect areas of decreased bone metabolism, which can indicate the presence of osteoporosis.
What are the Benefits of a Bone Scan in Horses?
There are many benefits of a bone scan in horses. Bone scans can detect fractures, infection, arthritis, and tumors in the early stages, before they are visible on X-rays. They can also detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism, which can indicate a number of different issues.
What are the Risks of a Bone Scan in Horses?
The risks of a bone scan in horses are minimal. The radioactive tracer used in the scan is safe and is quickly excreted from the body. There is no risk of radiation exposure or radiation sickness.
How Can I Prepare My Horse for a Bone Scan?
Preparing your horse for a bone scan is easy. Make sure your horse is rested and hydrated for the scan. Your horse should also be free of any medications or supplements that may interfere with the scan.
What Should I Expect During a Bone Scan?
A bone scan is a relatively quick and painless procedure. Your horse will be given an IV injection of the radioactive tracer and will then be positioned in a scanner. The scan usually takes about an hour.
How Soon Will I Get the Results of the Scan?
The results of the scan are usually available within 24 hours. The results will be interpreted by a radiologist and the report will be sent to your veterinarian.
Conclusion
A bone scan is a type of imaging test used to determine the health of a horse’s bones. Bone scans use a radioactive tracer to detect areas of increased or decreased bone metabolism, fractures, infection, arthritis, and tumors. The benefits of a bone scan in horses include being able to detect issues in the early stages, before they are visible on X-rays. The risks of a bone scan are minimal and the results are usually available within 24 hours.