Equine Bone Imaging, Part 1: Establishing an Equine Nuclear Medicine Facility.

Abstract: While the establishment and operation of an equine nuclear medicine department share several principles with those of human nuclear medicine departments, they require an additional skill set to ensure safe and effective operation. This article explores the practical aspects of equine nuclear medicine facility location and design and details important considerations for safe and practical operation. Key considerations associated with the differences in physical and radiation safety and imaging approaches are explored. Specific adaptations of γ-camera gantries to allow either planar imaging or SPECT in a standing horse are described. The skill set and insights of nuclear medicine scientists and technologists are crucial for the safe and effective establishment of an equine nuclear medicine facility.