Evaluation of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry for in situ measurement of bone mineral density of equine metacarpi.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the accuracy and precision of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for measuring bone mineral density in horses in situ. Sample Population-12 randomly selected forelimbs from 12 horses.


METHODS
Metacarpi were scanned in 2 planes and DEXA measurements obtained for 6 regions of interest (ROI). Each ROI was isolated and bone density measured by Archimedes' principle. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the correlation between the 2 measurements at each ROI. An additional metacarpus was measured 10 times to determine the coefficient of variation for both techniques.


RESULTS
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry and bone density were significantly associated at multiple ROI. The addition of age, weight, and soft tissue or bone thickness improved these associations. Repeated measurements had a low coefficient of variation.


CONCLUSIONS
Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry can be used to accurately and precisely measure the bone density in the equine metacarpus. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry appears suitable for serial in vivo measurement of bone density of the equine metacarpus. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry may be used for studies to evaluate the effects of diet or drugs on bone density or density changes from bone remodeling that develop prior to stress fractures.
McClure
S R
SR
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47906-1248, USA.
Glickman
L T
LT
Glickman
N W
NW
Weaver
C M
CM
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005552:Forelimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008663:Metacarpus / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000502:physiology*; D012044:Regression Analysis