| ADVICE on BONE SCANS |
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• We usually perform bone scans on Wednesday afternoons. ‘Emergency’ bone scans can also be accommodated by arrangement. • It is important that we have a reasonable idea of the weight of the horse in advance of admission so that an accurately calibrated dose of the radiopharmaceutical may be injected. • We request that all horses being referred for bone scans are admitted on the preceding day, and in most cases they will be booked in for an examination on that day. • It is very helpful if the horses are given some exercise on the preceding 3 or 4 days prior to being admitted unless the suspected condition prevents this. • A brief clinical history and an outline of the regions of interest should be sent to the clinic prior to the referred horse's arrival. It is also important for us to know how to act on the bone scan findings and what further diagnostic procedures should be carried out. This would normally take place on Thursday afternoon or Friday. • The earliest time of discharge is Friday morning, but if necessary the horse may be kept in longer to allow more time for a further work-up. • As a result of the radioactivity being excreted in the urine the horse is confined to a Controlled Area for 48 hours after injection and the owners are not permitted to visit the horse during this period. • We do not normally insert a catheter prior to the injection of the isotope, however if you think the horse is of a temperament that would prevent easy i.v. injection it would be helpful know in advance. There are no dietary limitations, however it is important that the horse is well hydrated to ensure adequate labeling of the bone with the isotope. |
