Comparison of F-sodium fluoride positron emission tomography and computed tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 25 nonracehorses.

Background: F-sodium fluoride (F-NaF) positron emission tomography (PET) has been validated as a useful imaging technique in the racehorse fetlock. The use of F-NaF PET in the nonracehorse fetlock has not been reported.

Objectives: To describe F-NaF PET findings in nonracehorse fetlocks, to compare with computed tomography (CT) findings and to compare PET findings between horses with and without fetlock pain.

Comparison of skeletal scintigraphy and standing F-NaF positron emission tomography for imaging of the fetlock in 33 Thoroughbred racehorses.

This retrospective, methods comparison study aimed to compare skeletal scintigraphy and F-NaF positron emission tomography (PET) for the detection of abnormalities in the fetlocks of Thoroughbred racehorses. Thirty-three horses (72 limbs) imaged with both scintigraphy and F-NaF PET, for investigation of lameness or poor performance related to the fetlock, were included. Seven observers, including experienced racetrack practitioners, surgery and imaging residents, and a board-certified veterinary radiologist, independently reviewed all data for evidence of increased radiopharmaceutical uptake in 10 different regions of interest.

Influence of abdominal elevation on radiographic measurements of the thoracolumbar interspinous spaces in asymptomatic horses.

The objective of this study was to determine if abdominal elevation could induce radiographically visible widening of the interspinous spaces in the thoracolumbar region of standing sedated horses and facilitate the surgical approach to the region. Radiographs centered on T13 and T18 were taken while applying different degrees of tension on a wide strap placed under the abdomen of 7 healthy horses. Then, the interspinous spaces between T11 and L2 were measured following a standardized method.

Agreement between invasive and oscillometric arterial blood pressure measurements using the LifeWindow multiparameter monitor and two cuff sizes in anesthetized adult horses.

Objective: To assess agreement between oscillometric noninvasive blood pressure (NIBP) measurements using LifeWindow monitors (LW9xVet and LW6000V) and invasive blood pressure (IBP). To assess the agreement of NIBP readings using a ratio of cuff width to mid-cannon circumference of 25% and 40%.

Study Design: Prospective, randomized clinical study.