Results of bone scintigraphy in horses used for show jumping, hunting, or eventing: 141 cases (1988-1994)

Abstract

Objective - To determine anatomic patterns and clinical importance of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in bones of horses used for show jumping, hunting, and eventing. Design - Retrospective study. Animals - 141 horses evaluated because of lameness. Procedure - Medical records were reviewed, and information on results of physical examination, radiography, and scintigraphy were obtained. Scintigrams were evaluated to identify areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Results - 834 areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake were identified. Scintigraphy of the vertebral column was performed in 78 horses, and 50 had areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake involving the spinous processes. Scintigraphy of the proximal phalanx of the forelimb was performed in 88 horses. Similarly, scintigraphy of the proximal phalanx of the hind limb was performed in 99 horses, and scintigrams of 374 proximal phalanges were available for review. One hundred fifty-five scintigrams had areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Scintigraphy of the tarsal joint was performed in 99 horses, and scintigrams of 198 joints were available for review. Eighty-five had areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake. Overall, 214 of 834 areas of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake were definitively associated with lameness. Clinical Implications - Results of this study suggest that jumping creates unique stresses on the bones of horses. The distinctive patterns of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake identified in this study suggest that horses used for jumping may have a predilection to develop orthopedic disease at specific sites distinct from those in racehorses.