Results of bone scintigraphy in horses used for show jumping, hunting, or eventing: 141 cases (1988-1994).
OBJECTIVE
To determine anatomic patterns and clinical importance of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in bones of horses used for show jumping, hunting, and eventing.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
141 horses evaluated because of lameness.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed, and information on results of physical examination, radiography, and scintigraphy were obtained. Scintigrams were evaluated to identify areas of increased radio-pharmaceutical 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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Ehrlich
P J
PJ
Department of Large Animal Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
Seeherman
H J
HJ
O'Callaghan
M W
MW
Dohoo
I R
IR
Brimacombe
M
M
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000502:physiology; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D010805:Physical Conditioning, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013131:Spine / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013177:Sports; D013643:Tarsus, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging