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Emergencies

01488 71999

Emergencies

Diagnostic Imaging

Scintigraphy (Bone Scan)

Bone scanning (nuclear scintigraphy) is an advanced diagnostic imaging technique used to identify areas of increase bone activity in horses. A small volume of radioactive material (technetium 99) is injected into the horses’ blood stream, where it accumulates in areas of active bone remodelling or injury. Specialised imaging equipment then detects the radioactive material, allowing our vets to identify subtle abnormalities that may not be visible on standard x-rays.

Because the procedure involves the use of radioactive material, horses are required to remain in hospital for approximately 48 hours after the scan, while the radioactive material naturally decays and is safely eliminated from the body. Bone scans are particularly valuable for investigating complex or difficult to localise lameness and for detecting stress injuries, fractures, and other musculoskeletal conditions, helping to guide accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Standing Equine Leg CT

Valley Equine Hospital has the first purpose built, stand alone, high resolution sICT in the world. CT uses ionising radiation like traditional x-rays, but unlike two dimensional x-rays it captures x-rays from a 360 degrees around a target area, combining them all to create a 3D image. The procedure is carried out using standing sedation and acquiring the scans takes just a few minutes. Standing CT is safe, effective and affordable and is an invaluable tool in diagnosing bone pathology.

The CT can obtain images of the foot, pastern, fetlock and distal cannon bone of both forelimbs and hind limbs. Given the ease of use, this system enables us to perform scans for multiple reasons, including:

  • fracture repair planning,
  • finding pre-fracture changes not seen with standard x-ray
  • grading severity of palmar/plantar osteochondral lesions,
  • further investigation of navicular changes and laminae changes

The CT unit is housed within a purpose-built container, designed for ease of use and safety of both the horse and staff. The standing system avoids the need for general anaesthesia, reducing risks to the patient. Radiation dose is comparable to digital radiography enabling both operator and handler to easily remain with the patient whilst imaging is completed.

Radiography

In the hospital, we have a dedicated x-ray suite in the hospital, which includes a large overhead gantry generator to penetrate through thicker areas, allowing us to get excellent imaging of the neck, back and parts of the pelvis.

We have multiple wireless digital radiography (DR) systems as well as a wireless x-ray generator unit, which are available to go out on ambulatory calls.

Ultrasonography

We have a variety of ultrasound machines available for different purposes. We have a dedicated unit based in the hospital, as well as machines to go out on ambulatory calls and units for reproductive scans. We have special probes for different purposes, including abdominal, tendons/ligaments and reproductive scans.