Nuclear scintigraphic examination in veterinary medicine

Abstract

The present review will discuss the information of nuclear scintigraphic examination in veterinary medicine. The main focus is on the introduction of nuclear medicine procedures in animal patients and describes conventional nuclear medicine (brain scintigraphy, bone scintigraphy, thyroid scintigraphy, inflammation and oncological scintigraphy). Single photon emission scintigraphy (SPECT) and positron emission tomography (PET) have recently been developed using for nuclear scintigraphic examination to provide functional and physiological imaging, the quantification of biochemical processes, molecular interactions, and neoplasias. Radiopharmaceuticals or radionuclides have a longer physical half-life allowing that need longer acquisition times used for specific investigation purposes. In veterinary medicine, scintigraphy can be the basis of a sensitive, specific and non-invasive diagnostic method, which information has been applied to support the diagnostic process and treatment planning for animal patients.