Single-phase bone scintigraphy in dogs with obscure lameness.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic merits of scintigraphy in dogs with clinically obscure lameness origin.


METHODS
In 43 dogs, the scintigraphic findings were compared with the results of subsequent radiological, computed tomography and/or arthroscopic findings and/or additional neurological examination.


RESULTS
In all dogs, focal increased uptake was found in one or more joints or bones. The presence of associated pathology was confirmed by radiography, computed tomography and/or arthroscopy of the limb region of interest. Additional neurological examination was performed when indicated. In cases of elbow pathology, unilateral involvement of the elbow was confirmed with computed tomography/arthroscopy in 14 cases, while bilateral increased uptake could not be confirmed with radiography or computed tomography in three cases. Three dogs showed an increased activity in one joint on the bone scan, while computed tomography, arthroscopy or radiography revealed bilateral joint disease. Generalised mild increased radionuclide uptake in all joints and bones was observed in the lame limb in 15 forelimbs and five hindlimbs. Generalised prominent uptake of an entire limb was noted in three cases suffering from neurological disease.


CONCLUSIONS
Scintigraphy may provide information on areas of increased radionuclide uptake, thereby aiding in the localisation of obscure lameness. Generalised mild increased uptake of radionuclide in all joints and bones in the lame limb may occur in the older dog. The generalised prominent uptake, seen in three cases with neurological disease, may resemble reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome seen in human beings.
Samoy
Y
Y
Department of Medical Imaging, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
Van Ryssen
B
B
Van Caelenberg
A
A
Gielen
I
I
Van Vynckt
D
D
Van Bree
H
H
De Bacquer
D
D
Peremans
K
K
D000818:Animals; D001530:Belgium; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D004285:Dogs; D005121:Extremities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D007596:Joints / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals; D012189:Retrospective Studies
D019275:Radiopharmaceuticals