Effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy on radiographic and scintigraphic outcomes in horses with palmar heel pain.

This research investigates the effects of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (RESWT) on radiographic and scintigraphic images in horses experiencing palmar heel pain. The findings suggest that while RESWT might provide acute clinical benefits potentially through pain relief, it does not influence radiographic or scintigraphic parameters related to tissue metabolism in the palmar heel region.

Objective of the Research

• This study aimed to determine the impact of RESWT on radiographic and scintigraphic variables in horses experiencing pain in their palmar heel. The objective of these treatments revolved around understanding the changes caused by the therapy and whether it aided in stimulating local tissue metabolism.

Methods Used in the Study

• The researchers applied RESWT on eight horses owned by clients, each of them suffering from palmar heel pain. The treatment was administered in three sessions.
• The researchers carried out Nuclear scintigraphy, a diagnostic test that visualises how the body’s tissues are functioning, and radiography, an imaging technique used to view the internal form of an object, at the start and end of this study.
• A quantitative approach was used to calculate Scintigram region of interest (ROI) density ratios. These were then compared between the treated limbs, limbs without treatment, and a control group made up of limbs from eight horses devoid of any lameness.
• Radiographs were reviewed and rated according to the appearance of the entire navicular bone and the number and severity of distal border synovial fossae.

Results of the Research

• The study found no significant difference in scintigraphic navicular pool phase or delays in ROI density ratios in the treated limbs, either pre- or post-treatment.
• Compared to the control group from non-lame horses, there was an increase in delayed phase ROI density in the central navicular region in limbs that had received treatment.
• The appearance of the radiographic images remained the same before and after the treatment.

Conclusions Deduced

• Despite RESWT providing acute clinical benefits to horses, perhaps through its analgesic effects, this study concluded that it does not influence acute scintigraphic or radiographic parameters in the palmar heel region.
• As such, the research indicates that RESWT’s acute clinical benefits may not stem from stimulating local tissue metabolism.