A case study of canine panosteitis: comparison of radiographic and radioisotopic studies

A dog with recurrent active panosteitis was monitored with weekly skeletal radiographs and radioisotopic bone scintigrams performed on the same day. Comparison of results obtained by the two techniques indicated that scintigrams were more sensitive in revealing early lesions. Radiography was more specific and essential to establish a positive diagnosis. The sensitivity of radiographic and scintigraphic evidence was comparable during the midportions of the disease while bone resorption and deposition were most active. In late stages of panosteitis, after disappearance of clinical signs, the scintigrams were negative, whereas radiographs continued to reveal the presence of sclerotic lesions.