Why bone scan and not x ray??

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sjdress

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Horse went for lameness investigations today and is 2/5 lame on left fore. Vet wasn't sure exactly where and advised on a bone scan but thought it could be coffin joint, possible arthritis . I asked about X Ray's but he said this might show up as inconclusive ... However I thought arthritis would show up on X Ray's?!? Is it Normal to have a bone scan rather than X Ray or are they trying to make more money?!?!
 
I thought bone scans were often inconclusive and used when they had little idea of where the issue was so nerve blocking and xrays would be tricky, an MRI is often used to look at the whole foot if xrays are inconclusive but nerve blocks show that is where the problem is.

I think as they know it is the near fore I would expect them to block that then xray before deciding whether to do any more investigations, I do think that they buy these expensive bits of kit and have to promote the use to pay for them, I would not want one of mine to go through having a bone scan unless it was essential, it may not be invasive but will not be a great experience for them.
 
Bone scan has been recommended to us too and I'm reluctant. Going to ask for X-rays or nerve blocks first as we know its pelvis or right hock.
 
They told me that she isn't lame enough to nerve block and x rays would be inconclusive so bone scan is the best option. But they seems to offer bone scan all the time so I am reluctant if it's really nessicary .
 
The vet told us the bone scan would be best because we didn't know exactly where the issue was. Although dragging the right foot, it could be pelvis, back or either foot :/ So hard to know what to do.
 
Mine drags her right hind and we thought for ages it was hind lameness , after flexion tests behind she went lamer in front!
 
Louisejane said:
The vet told us the bone scan would be best because we didn't know exactly where the issue was. Although dragging the right foot, it could be pelvis, back or either foot :/ So hard to know what to do.
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I think in this instance a bone scan would be preferable as surely they can't X-ray the pelvis. With limb lameness tho I've just had a horse go lame. The vet was pretty sure it was below the fetlock so nerve blocked and when he trotted up sound he then xrayed.
 
sjdress said:
They told me that she isn't lame enough to nerve block and x rays would be inconclusive so bone scan is the best option. But they seems to offer bone scan all the time so I am reluctant if it's really nessicary .
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2/5 lame should be clear enough, I had one nerve blocked that was barely 1/10th lame and that was only on a circle on hard ground, he was blocked to the foot successfully.
The whole point of a bone scan is to find out which part of the body is the issue, if they know which limb it is and they are clearly lame then blocking is the first route, they will possibly still block after a bone scan to confirm the position, if the vet doesn't think they can see a horse that is 2/5 lame clearly enough I might suggest they wear glasses but I would probably get another vet, lameness in front is usually so much easier to diagnose than hind limb problems.
 
I am a big fan of bone scanning it's easy for the bill to creep up when you do lots of blocks and things in an inconclusive lameness situation.
it also lets you know quickly if you are dealing with a horse with a whole heap of nasty things going on and you can call a halt quicker if it's apporiate
 
Goldenstar said:
I am a big fan of bone scanning it's easy for the bill to creep up when you do lots of blocks and things in an inconclusive lameness situation.
it also lets you know quickly if you are dealing with a horse with a whole heap of nasty things going on and you can call a halt quicker if it's apporiate
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That's pretty much what my 2nd opinion vet said & once we're off strangles quarantine that's my plan for mine.
 
I think he wants to bone scan also so that he can see if anything anywhere else is causing the lameness in front... guess it all makes sense really and is better then guess work
 
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