Bone Density Scans - Anyone had any experience of them?

[SamBean]

Morning, I had a chat with his vet last night and he will have a good look at him and see if there is anything else potentially first, Arthritis was mentioned and other things though I will find out more and ask 101 questions on his appointment. I'm feeling a little bit easier, both from input on here and from my chat last night. I admit I get a bit emotional and had a little cry last night now the wheels are in motion, I just really hope it is something we can address but at least we will have answers.

 

[ester]

The trouble with a complicated cases is that without a clear target to nerve block and xray you can end up chasing issues around, and if you do find one people tend to stop there when that might not be the only or main issue.
This is why bone scans are quite popular, they give the targets to investigate further.

 

[Leo Walker]

Make sure you speak to your insurance company first and get the go ahead. You say it has to be 2 claims, but they might not see it like that at all.

 

[Trouper]

Yes - my mare was scanned. Kissing spine had been diagnosed on the vet x-ray but it was suggested we scan to see if there were any problems elsewhere so off she went. I don't think the actual procedure takes that long but they have to stay so that the "nuclear" waste can all be processed by licensed systems. In her case she had a lovely big stable practically knee deep in cardboard bedding and just ate her head off!! In some ways it was reassuring to see the results - pictures and written report - which showed the state of all her bones. She had the KS operation and came through it well - unfortunately that was not really where the problem was! Her behaviour deteriorated and she was clearly in pain even when given the all clear for rehab to begin and only being led out from another horse. Her reactions to sudden turns or movements could be extreme and dangerous. At my wit's end I was told about Tom Beech - the Osteopathic Vet. He diagnosed problems all at the front end for which there was no solution so, sadly, she was PTS as I could not keep her comfortable even with pain relief. So what I am saying is that with all the diagnostic tests and ops she went through my usual vet did not get to the root of the problem. Now, I would only ever start with Tom. If he wants tests done he will say so but you can rely on his finding the right area to start with!!

 

[little_critter]

The trouble with a complicated cases is that without a clear target to nerve block and xray you can end up chasing issues around, and if you do find one people tend to stop there when that might not be the only or main issue.
This is why bone scans are quite popular, they give the targets to investigate further.

That's what I had with my girl. First we scoped; showed ulcers which cleared nicely on treatment but didn't resolve the resistance problem.
Then we x rayed which showed possible mild kissing spine, but when they did a nerve block in that area it didn't make any difference so was discounted as not actually causing her an issue.
Then we tried regumate in case it was an ovary issue; no change.
Then we tried a steroid injection in her SI joint which briefly gave a very small improvement but wore off after a few days.
Only then did I go for the bone scan which showed a section of her spine was fusing on the bottom (ventral) aspect. Inoperable / untreatable because the horses internal organs are in the way - you simply can't access that area.

So my delaying the bone scan caused her to endure her back pain (and I'm certain she was in pain even when not in work - her whole demeanor changed, she hated to be touched or groomed) for about 4-5 months more than she should have (it takes time to eliminate things one at a time, and she couldn't be on bute because of the ulcers and because we needed to see what worked).

Not trying to guilt trip you (sorry!) just giving you the benefit of my hindsight.
Fingers crossed for a good result for you and a straightforward outcome.

PS - do you know where your horse would go for a bone scan? Mine went to Valley Equine at Newbury and I can totally recommend Jessica Kidd. She is independent I believe but works out of Valley Equine.

 

[SamBean]

Sorry, Yes he will be looked at at home first as he's not been seen since the green light following his ulcer treatment and I'm imagining if nothing obvious presents itself then we will be sending him for the scans. They did get mentioned last night and I'll save my questions regarding what will happen and so on for when he is with him.
Leo, yes I'll definitely be checking with insurance and vet for the best way to go forward, I guess it will be on the original banner of 'back pain?' I need to know though soon!

 

[SamBean]

That's what I had with my girl. First we scoped; showed ulcers which cleared nicely on treatment but didn't resolve the resistance problem.
Then we x rayed which showed possible mild kissing spine, but when they did a nerve block in that area it didn't make any difference so was discounted as not actually causing her an issue.
Then we tried regumate in case it was an ovary issue; no change.
Then we tried a steroid injection in her SI joint which briefly gave a very small improvement but wore off after a few days.
Only then did I go for the bone scan which showed a section of her spine was fusing on the bottom (ventral) aspect. Inoperable / untreatable because the horses internal organs are in the way - you simply can't access that area.

So my delaying the bone scan caused her to endure her back pain (and I'm certain she was in pain even when not in work - her whole demeanor changed, she hated to be touched or groomed) for about 4-5 months more than she should have (it takes time to eliminate things one at a time, and she couldn't be on bute because of the ulcers and because we needed to see what worked).

Not trying to guilt trip you (sorry!) just giving you the benefit of my hindsight.
Fingers crossed for a good result for you and a straightforward outcome.

PS - do you know where your horse would go for a bone scan? Mine went to Valley Equine at Newbury and I can totally recommend Jessica Kidd. She is independent I believe but works out of Valley Equine.

Oh my goodness!! Not a guilt trip at all, we need to get to the bottom of this and see what is best for him and appreciate you sharing! He will be going to Liverpool, there already has been some communication regarding him with his scope results.