Bone scintigraphy as an aid in the diagnosis of occult distal tarsal bone trauma in three horses.
History, physical examination, and bone scintigraphy were used to diagnose central and/or third tarsal bone trauma in 3 acutely lame horses. In all 3 cases, the results of initial radiographic examination were negative. Bone scintigraphy revealed focal, intense radioisotope uptake at the level of the distal tarsal bones in the 3 horses. Radiographs obtained 4 weeks after injury in one horse demonstrated a slab fracture of the central tarsal bone. Conservative management of the tarsal bone disease resulted in acceptable return to function in all 3 horses.
D000818:Animals; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000662:veterinary*; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000293:injuries*; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D013643:Tarsus, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries*