Summary
Objective: To investigate the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RESWT) on
radiographic and scintigraphic variables in horses with clinical pain referable to
the palmar heel.
Methods: Eight client-owner horses with palmar heel pain were treated with RESWT for a total
of three treatments. Nuclear scintigraphy and radiography were repeated at the beginning
and completion of the study. Scintigram region of interest (ROI) density ratios were
calculated and compared between treated limbs, untreated limbs, and a population of
comparison limbs from eight horses free of lameness. Radiographs were scored for whole
navicular bone appearance as well as distal border synovial fossae number and severity.
Results: There was not any preversus post-treatment difference in scintigraphic navicular
pool phase or delayed phase ROI density ratios in treated limbs, or between treated
and untreated limbs. Delayed phase ROI density was increased in the central navicular
region in treated limbs compared to comparison limbs from non-lame horses at both
time points. Radiographic scores remained unchanged.
Clinical significance: RESWT as applied in the present study has no effect on acute palmar heel region scintigraphic
or radiographic parameters. Any acute clinical benefit may be due to analgesic effects
rather than stimulation of local tissue metabolism.
Keywords
Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy - palmar heel pain - nuclear scintigraphy
- region of interest analysis - horse.