Scintigraphic abnormalities of the pelvic region in horses examined because of lameness or poor performance: 128 cases (1993-2000).
OBJECTIVE
To identify scintigraphic abnormalities in the pelvic region of horses examined because of hind limb lameness or poor performance and determine the clinical relevance of areas of abnormal radiopharmaceutical uptake (ARU) in these horses.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
128 horses.


METHODS
Medical records were reviewed, and information on signalment, history, admitting complaints, physical examination findings, and results of lameness examinations was recorded. Clinical relevance of areas of ARU was determined by comparison with results of other diagnostic tests. For horses with clinically relevant areas of ARU, follow-up information was obtained through telephone interviews with owners and trainers and analysis of race records.


RESULTS
Areas of ARU were identified in the tuber coxae (25 horses), ischiatic tuber (9), hip joint (10), third trochanter (10), ilium (5), sacral tuber region (22), greater trochanter (1), cranial femoral cortex (1), skeletal muscle surrounding the pelvis (34), or multiple areas (11). In 44 horses, areas of ARU were associated with the primary cause of lameness; in 51, areas of ARU were not associated with the primary cause of lameness; and in 33, the primary cause of lameness was not determined. Thirty-six of the 44 horses with clinically relevant areas of ARU were available for follow-up; 15 (42%) had a good outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest that pelvic scintigraphy may be useful in identifying abnormalities in horses with hind limb lameness or poor performance.
Davenport-Goodall
Celia L M
CL
Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA.
Ross
Michael W
MW
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D005260:Female; D006614:Hindlimb / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D006736:Horses / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D008297:Male; D010384:Pelvic Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D012189:Retrospective Studies