Comparison of barometric whole body plethysmography and its derived parameter enhanced pause (PENH) with conventional respiratory mechanics in healthy Beagle dogs

The purpose of the study was to compare barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) and its derived parameter, enhanced pause (PENH), with conventional respiratory mechanics measurements. Resistance (RL), dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and pleural pressure changes were measured in six healthy anaesthetised Beagle dogs using a pneumotachograph and oesophageal balloon technique consecutive to BWBP-derived variables. Upper airway airflow limitation was established (1) by a filter or (2) by insertion of a narrow endotracheal tube. Bronchoconstriction was induced by nebulisation of carbachol at increasing concentrations until PENH exceeded 300% baseline. Upper airway narrowing significantly increased resistance (baseline RL 2.0+/-0.3, RL filter 11.8+/-3.2, RL luminal narrowing 21.1+/-2.3cm H(2)O/L/s; P <0.03), whereas PENH did not change significantly (baseline PENH 0.55+/-0.17, PENH filter 0.49+/-0.10; PENH luminal narrowing 0.50+/-0.18; P >0.05). Carbachol-induced bronchoconstriction caused a significant increase in PENH (baseline PENH 0.43+/-0.14, PENH carbachol 2.62+/-2.14; P <0.02) and resistance (baseline RL 2.1+/-0.3, RL carbachol 28.8+/-13.0 cm H2O/L/s; P <0.01), and a pronounced drop in compliance (baseline Cdyn 163.3+/-73.9, Cdyn carbachol 9.7+/-2.9mL/cmH2O; P <0.02). It was concluded that BWBP detects airflow limitation due to bronchoconstriction but not due to upper airway obstruction in healthy dogs. BWBP represents a valid, although not very sensitive screening tool for respiratory function testing.     

Airway responses to histamine aerosol in clinically normal foods.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the spectrum of nonspecific airway reactivity in a group of clinically normal foals. ANIMALS: 12 clinically normal mixed-breed foals, 48 to 92 days old, without history of clinical lung disease. PROCEDURE: Nonspecific airway reactivity was determined by measuring the extent of changes in dynamic compliance during nebulization of incrementally increasing concentrations of histamine aerosol. Degree of airway reactivity was expressed as the dose of histamine that evoked a decrease in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) to 65% of the after saline nebulization value (PC65Cdyn) or increase in pulmonary resistance (R(L)) to 135% of baseline (PC135R(L)). RESULTS: In all foals, it was possible to induce a decrease in Cdyn in dose-dependent manner to < or = 65% of baseline. Response of foals in terms of R(L) was more erratic, and, in 1 foal, R(L) decreased after histamine exposure. Mean+/-SD PC65Cdyn was 5.43+/-1.74 (range, 0.77 to 19.56) mg/ml, and mean PC135R(L) was 3.34+/-1.52 (range, -0.749 to 17.35) mg/ml. Body weight was not correlated to baseline Cdyn, R(L), PC65Cdyn, or PC135R(L). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Clinically normal foals had a wide range of airway reactivity, which may contribute to variation in clinical responses of foals to otherwise similar stimuli, such as infection, inflammation, and challenge exposure with environmental irritants.     

Histamine inhalation challenge in normal horses and in horses with small airway disease

A histamine inhalation challenge (HIC) procedure was developed to assess hyperreactive states in horses. Following clinical evaluation, percutaneous lung biopsies were performed on nine light breed mares aged 6 to 15 years. Five horses, with normal small airways, were classified as group A and four subjects with small airway disease (SAD) lesions formed group B. Pulmonary mechanics parameters were monitored following an aerosol of 0.9% saline and every 5 min for up to 30 min after HIC with 0.5% w/v of histamine diphosphate, administered through a face mask for 2.5 min. Tidal volume (VT) and airflow (V) values were obtained with a pneumotachograph. Transpulmonary pressure (delta Ppl) was measured by the esophageal balloon catheter method. Dynamic compliance (Cdyn), total pulmonary resistance (RL), end expiratory work of breathing (EEW) and respiratory rate (f) were calculated by a pulmonary mechanics computer. Group A horses had increases in RL, and decreases in Cdyn whereas horses in group B were hyperreactive and showed greater changes in EEW, Cdyn, and delta Ppl but with a relatively lower variation of RL. One horse in clinical remission from SAD, but with a high biopsy score (group B), and one clinically normal horse belonging to group A showed marked hyperreactivity as shown by increases in EEW, maximum change in delta Ppl and RL and decreases in Cdyn. These results suggest that the HIC described can be used as a method to investigate airway hyperreactivity and SAD in horses.     

Effects of aerosolized histamine and carbachol in the conscious horse.

Pulmonary function tests were performed in seven conscious, standing horses. Changes in pulmonary mechanics and ventilation volumes were measured after inhalation challenge with saline (baseline), histamine (1% w/v solution for 5 min) and carbachol (0.5% w/v solution for 3 min). Comparisons between baseline and posthistamine values revealed a significant (P less than 0.05) increase in nonelastic work of breathing (Wb), maximum change in transpulmonary pressure (max delta Ppl), and pulmonary resistance (RL), while dynamic compliance (Cdyn) decreased (P less than 0.05). Tripelennamine completely abolished these histamine induced changes suggesting the involvement of H1 receptors. A nonsignificant increase occurred in functional residual capacity. However, the amount of nitrogen retained in the lung at the end of a nitrogen washout test was significantly (P less than 0.05) greater after histamine when compared to baseline values. The effect of carbachol was qualitatively similar to that of histamine, Wb and max delta Ppl increased while Cdyn decreased (P less than 0.05). The increase in lower RL reached statistical significance (P less than 0.05) only at the beginning of expiration (/ 25% VT). The present investigation demonstrates that the physiological measurements of lung function could be carried out in conscious, unsedated horses and that the pulmonary function test methods could be used as a tool for study of drug induced changes in pulmonary mechanics.     

Reproducibility of Airway Responsiveness in Horses Using Flowmetric Plethysmography and Histamine Bronchoprovocation

Background: Inflammatory airway disease has a high prevalence in horses, but is often a diagnostic challenge. Flowmetric plethysmography and histamine bronchoprovocation (FP/HBP) is a simple and effective tool for diagnosis, but reproducibility of these measurements made over time has not been established.
Hypothesis: We hypothesize that the measurement of airway responsiveness in horses using FP/HBP is consistent over both short and long periods of time.
Animals: Twenty-nine healthy adult horses from 2 university herds.
Methods: In this prospective experimental study, airway responsiveness was determined in each horse at day 0 (baseline [BL]) with FP/ HBP, using PC35 (provocative concentration of histamine needed to increase Δ_flow by 35%) as a measure of airway responsiveness. Each horse was re-tested 1–4 weeks after BL (short-term [ST]) and again at 3–12 months after BL (long-term [LT]).
Results: In the ST period, 23/27 (85%) of the horses had a PC35 that was within 1 doubling concentration of histamine of their BL value, with a mean change of 0.52 doubling concentrations (95% CI 0.26–0.79, range 0–2.06). For the LT data, 19/26 (73%) of horses were within 1 doubling concentration of their BL value, with a mean change of 0.81 doubling concentrations (95% CI 0.45–1.17, range 0.14–3.10). There was no significant difference in reproducibility between the 2 groups of subjects.
Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Repeated measurements of airway responsiveness obtained with FP/HBP show acceptable reproducibility over time periods up to a year. However, caution must be used when testing horses when ambient air temperature is low.     

Use of the impulse oscillometry system for testing pulmonary function during methacholine bronchoprovocation in horses

OBJECTIVE: To compare sensitivity of the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) with that of the conventional reference technique (CRT; ie, esophageal balloon method) for pulmonary function testing in horses. ANIMALS: 10 horses (4 healthy; 6 with recurrent airway obstruction [heaves] in remission). PROCEDURE: Healthy horses (group-A horses) and heaves-affected horses (group-B horses) were housed in a controlled environment. At each step of a methacholine bronchoprovocation test, threshold concentration (TC(2SD); results in a 2-fold increase in SD of a value) and sensitivity index (SI) were determined for respiratory tract system resistance (R(rs)) and respiratory tract system reactance (X(rs)) at 5 to 20 Hz by use of IOS and for total pulmonary resistance (RL) and dynamic lung compliance (C(dyn)), by use of CRT. RESULTS: Bronchoconstriction resulted in an increase in R(rs) at 5 Hz (R(5Hz)) and a decrease in X(rs) at all frequencies. Most sensitive parameters were X(rs) at 5 Hz (X(5Hz)), R(5Hz), and R(5Hz):R(10Hz) ratio; RL and the provocation concentration of methacholine resulting in a 35% decrease in dynamic compliance (PC(35)C(dyn)) were significantly less sensitive than these IOS parameters. The TC(2SD) for X(rs) at 5 and 10 Hz was significantly lower in group-B horses, compared with group-A horses. The lowest TC(2SD) was obtained for X(5Hz) in group-B horses and R(5Hz) in group-A horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In contrast to CRT parameters, IOS parameters were significantly more sensitive for testing pulmonary function.The IOS provides a practical and noninvasive pulmonary function test that may be useful in assessing subclinical changes in horses.     

Effects of bovine respiratory syncytial virus on airway function in neonatal calves

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes severe lower respiratory tract disease in infants and calves. Neonatal respiratory tract infection in children often produces persistent changes in lung function. The specific objective of this study was to determine whether neonatal calves have transient or persistent alterations in pulmonary function and airway reactivity following RSV infection. Six 2- to 3-day-old Holstein bull calves were inoculated with 10 ml of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) inoculum (10(2.7) to 10(3.8) cell culture infective doses/ml) intranasally and 10 ml of BRSV inoculum (10(4.8) to 10(5.9) cell culture infective doses/ml) intratracheally for 4 consecutive days, and 5 other calves were sham-inoculated. Prior to inoculation (day 0) and on days 4, 14, and 30 after the last inoculation, body weight (kg), dynamic compliance (Cdyn), pulmonary resistance (RL), and 2 indices of airway reactivity (effective dose [ED] 65Cdyn and ED200RL) were measured. Control calves gained weight progressively throughout the study, whereas RSV-inoculated calves failed to gain weight for 14 days, but equaled control calf weight by 30 days after inoculation. The Cdyn of control calves increased significantly by 30 days, but did not in the RSV-infected calves. Pulmonary resistance was increased significantly at 4, 14, and 30 days, but was unaffected by sham inoculation. The ED65Cdyn and ED200RL indicated an age-dependent increase in reactivity to histamine and an increase in responsiveness in the infected group beginning at 14 days and persisting until the end of the study.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Intravenous histamine administration in ponies with recurrent airway obstruction (heaves)

Pulmonary function and airway reactivity to IV histamine were measured in a group of ponies with a history of recurrent airway obstruction (heaves) and their age-, weight-, and gender-matched controls. Ponies were studied during a period of clinical remission (period A), after exposure to a barn environment (period B), and twice during a 2-week recovery phase (periods C and D). At periods A, C, and D, PaO2, dynamic compliance (Cdyn), pulmonary resistance, tidal volume, respiratory frequency, and the log dose of histamine required to reduce Cdyn to 65% of base-line value (log ED65Cdyn) of principals and controls did not differ. Barn exposure (period B) decreased Cdyn, PaO2, and ED65Cdyn and increased pulmonary resistance in principals but not controls. The slope of the histamine dose-Cdyn response curves was not different between principal and control groups of ponies and was unaffected by barn exposure or return to pasture. There was a poor correlation between ED65Cdyn and indices of airway caliber. During acute airway obstruction, ponies with a history of heaves were hyperreactive to IV histamine, but during disease remission, airway response to histamine was not different from that of control ponies. Seemingly, hyperreactivity in principal ponies after exposure to a barn environment cannot be explained solely by alterations in base-line airway caliber.     

Qualitative and quantitative evaluation of equine respiratory mechanics by impulse oscillometry

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The long-established conventional reference technique (CRT) for measuring respiratory mechanics in horses lacks sensitivity and there is a need for further refinement in new technology, such as the impulse oscillometry system (IOS). OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential use of the IOS as a clinical respiratory function test and compare it to the current CRT in horses suffering from common upper and lower airway dysfunctions. METHODS: Six healthy horses were tested before and after induction of a unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) or transient left laryngeal hemiplegia (LLH). Six heaves-affected horses were tested in clinical remission and during a heaves crisis, before and after nebulisation of cumulative doses of a bronchodilator therapy (ipratropium bromide; IPB). RESULTS: As opposed to the CRT, the IOS was able to detect partial upper airway obstruction (UAO) caused by UNO or LLH in resting horses, without differentiating both conditions. Upper airway obstruction caused an upward shift of resistance (R(rs)) from 5 to 35 Hz without altering reactance (X(rs)). As for the CRT, IOS respiratory parameters measured in heaves-affected horses in crisis differed significantly from values measured during remission. The difference in frequency-dependent behaviour of R(rs) and X(rs) allowed discrimination between upper and lower airway obstructions. Bronchodilator treatment induced significant dose-dependent changes in X(rs) at 5 and 10 Hz, from the first dose. Total pulmonary resistance (RL) and R(rs) at 5 Hz were affected from the second dose and displayed similar sensitivity. Although post treatment RL values were comparable to remission, R(rs) and X(rs) remained significantly different, characterising persistent peripheral obstruction. CONCLUSIONS: The IOS was more sensitive than the CRT in detecting partial UAO in resting horses and persistent post treatment peripheral dysfunction in heaves-affected horses. The IOS is a sensitive test that provides graded quantitative and qualitative information on disease-induced respiratory dysfunctions as well as on treatment efficiency in horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The IOS could represent a practical and sensitive alternative respiratory function test for routine clinical investigations of common airway obstructive diseases and therapy in horses.     

Beta-adrenergic receptor activity in ponies with recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease.

Pulmonary function measurements were made in control ponies and in ponies with recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease (principals) during clinical remission and during an attack of acute airway obstruction. The ponies were given beta-adrenergic antagonists and agonists to determine the role of beta receptors in recurrent obstructive pulmonary disease, and to determine the subtypes of beta receptors mediating bronchodilation in ponies. Aerosol administration of the beta antagonists, propranolol (beta 1 and beta 2), atenolol (beta 1), and butoxamine (beta 2) decreased dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and increased pulmonary resistance (RL) in the principal ponies during airway obstruction, but were without effect when the ponies were in clinical remission. Intravenous administration of atropine reversed the effect of atenolol on Cdyn and RL, but was without effect on the decrease in Cdyn and increase in RL observed after butoxamine administration. The beta antagonists did not affect airway function in the control ponies. The effect of beta blockade on Cdyn and RL suggests beta-adrenergic activation in the central and peripheral airways of principal ponies, mediated through both beta 2- and beta 1-adrenergic receptors. The aerosol beta agonists, isoproterenol (beta 1 and beta 2), and clenbuterol (beta 2) attenuated histamine-induced airway obstruction to a similar extent in control ponies that were given histamine IV. In addition, the beta 1 antagonist, atenolol, did not attenuate the bronchodilation observed with isoproterenol. We concluded that, although beta 1- and beta 2-adrenergic receptors exist in pony airways and are activated during acute airway obstruction, bronchodilation in response to beta agonists in ponies seems to be mediated primarily by beta 2-adrenergic receptors.     

Measurement of respiratory function by impulse oscillometry in horses

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Due to technical implementations and lack of sensitivity, pulmonary function tests are seldom used in clinical practice. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) could represent an alternative method. OBJECTIVES: To define feasibility, methodology and repeatability of IOS, a forced oscillation technique that measures respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) from 5 to 35 Hz during spontaneous breathing, in horses. METHODS: Using 38 healthy horses, Rrs and Xrs reference values were defined and influence of individual biometrical parameters was investigated. In addition, IOS measurements of 6 horses showing clinical signs of heaves were compared to those of 6 healthy horses. RESULTS: Airtightness and minimal dead space in the facemask were prerequisites to IOS testing and standardisation of head position was necessary to avoid variations in Rrs due to modified upper airway geometry. In both healthy and diseased animals, measurements were repeatable. In standard-type breeds, the influence of the horse's size on IOS parameters was negligible. An increase in R5Hz greater than 0.10 kPa/l/sec and R5Hz>R10Hz, combined with negative values of Xrs between 5 and 20 Hz, was indicative of heaves crisis. CONCLUSIONS: IOS is a quick, minimally invasive and informative method for pulmonary function testing in healthy and diseased horses. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: IOS is a promising method for routine and/or field respiratory clinical testing in the equine species.     

Effects of aerosolized albuterol on physiologic responses to exercise in standardbreds.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of an aerosolized beta2-adrenoreceptor agonist, albuterol, on performance during a standardized incremental exercise test in clinically normal horses. ANIMALS: 8 Standardbred pacing mares. PROCEDURE: Clinically normal horses, as judged by use of physical examination, hematologic findings, serum biochemical analysis, and airway endoscopy, were randomly assigned to 2 groups and were given 900 microg of albuterol via a metered-dose inhaler 30 minutes before beginning a standardized incremental exercise test in a crossover design with a 7-day minimum washout. Further examination included measurement of baseline lung mechanics, response to histamine bronchoprovocation, and bronchoalveolar lavage. RESULTS: No significant differences (albuterol vs placebo) were seen for any incremental exercise test variables (ie, maximum oxygen consumption, maximum carbon dioxide consumption, respiratory quotient, treadmill speed at heart rate of 200 beats/min, or number of steps completed during an incremental exercise protocol). Mast cell percentage was significantly (r = -0.84) associated with the concentration of aerosolized histamine that evoked a 100% increase in total respiratory system resistance. No other direct correlations between bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell types and any indices of exercise capacity or airway reactivity were found. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Although no horse had exercise intolerance, 4 horses had airway hyperreactivity with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid mastocytosis; these horses may have been subclinically affected with inflammatory airway disease. In our study, albuterol did not enhance performance in 8 clinically normal racing-fit Standardbreds.     

Efficacy of salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the onset, magnitude, and duration of bronchodilation after administration of aerosolized salmeterol xinafoate in horses with recurrent airway obstruction. DESIGN: Randomized controlled study ANIMALS: 6 horses with recurrent airway obstruction. Procedure Horses received aerosolized salmeterol (210 microg) or no treatment, using a crossover design. Salmeterol was administered, using a mask designed for aerosol delivery in horses. Subjective rating of airway obstruction (RAO), maximal change in pleural pressure (deltaPplmax), and pulmonary resistance (RL) were determined at baseline; 5, 15, and 30 minutes; and 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours after administration of salmeterol and in horses that did not receive treatment. RESULTS: The deltaPpl and RL were improved 15 minutes through 6 hours after administration of salmeterol, compared with values obtained from horses receiving no treatment. The RAO was improved 15 minutes through 2 hours after administration of salmeterol. The maximal response to salmeterol was evident 30 to 60 minutes after administration and was characterized by a 59 + 19% decrease in deltaPpl and a 56 +/- 13% decrease in RL. The deltaPpl and RL were not different from baseline values 8 hours after salmeterol administration. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Duration of action of salmeterol in these horses was approximately 6 hours. Maximal bronchodilation was somewhat delayed (30 to 60 minutes), and the magnitude of response was similar to that of short-acting beta2-adrenergic agonists. Salmeterol provides moderately sustained bronchodilation in horses with recurrent airway obstruction and may be an effective drug for long-term control of this condition.     

Respiratory responses of mature horses to intravenous lobeline bolus

The respiratory stimulant lobeline has been used in equine clinical practice to increase inspiratory and expiratory airflow rates at rest in order to facilitate investigation of both lower and upper airway function. Some of the responses to lobeline in the pony have been reported, but the detailed time course, effect of dose, possible side effects and reproducibility associated with lobeline administration have not been described in the horse. Respiratory airflow rates and oesophageal pressure were measured with a Fleisch No. 5 pneumotachometer and lightweight facemask and a microtip pressure transducer catheter, respectively. The output of the Fleisch pneumotachometer was calibrated for flow rates up to +/- 70 l/s. Seven mature horses with no clinical signs of respiratory disease were studied. Investigations were conducted to determine: (1) the responses to different doses of lobeline (0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30 mg/kg bwt) as a rapid i.v. bolus (6 horses); (2) arterial blood gases during and after lobeline administration (0.20 mg/kg bwt; 3 horses); and (3) the reproducibility of lobeline-stimulated hyperpnoea (5 horses; 2 doses of 0.20 mg/kg bwt lobeline, 15 min apart). All horses tolerated the lobeline-stimulated hyperpnoea well, although one always coughed or snorted at the onset. Mild tremor was noted following the highest dose in several horses. Apnoea of approximately 40 s was common after the hyperpnoea. Both tidal volume (VT) and frequency (fR) increased with lobeline dose. During peak hyperpnoea at a dose of 0.30 mg/kg bwt, peak inspired flow rate (PIF), peak expired flow rate (PEF) and minute ventilation (VE) were mean +/- s.e. 41+/-5 l/s, 61+/-10 l/s and 920+/-99 l/min, respectively. The hyperpnoea also caused marked changes in arterial PaO2, PaCO2 and pHa at 90 s after lobeline (0.20 mg/kg bwt) administration (mean +/- s.e. 146.0+/-6.9 mmHg, 20.6+/-0.8 mmHg and 7.707+/-0.020, respectively) compared to at rest (mean +/- s.e. 104.0+/-4.0 mmHg, 50.6+/-2.8 mmHg and 7.432+/-0.012). Dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn) was unaltered by lobeline administration. The lobeline-induced hyperpnoea was highly reproducible, with no significant difference in any of the parameters during 2 stimulations 15 min apart. Lobeline induced highly reproducible responses without any apparent adverse effects and may be useful in the investigation of pulmonary function in healthy horses and those with airway disease.     

Bronchoconstrictive properties of inhaled 8-epi-PGF2alpha in healthy and heaves-susceptible horses

The 8-epi-PGF2alpha is a marker of oxidative stress which is increased in lungs of asthmatic humans and heaves-susceptible horses. 8-Epi-PGF2alpha has also been demonstrated to be an in vitro and in vivo bronchoconstrictor in humans and rodents. We hypothesised that inhaled 8-epi-PGF2alpha was a bronchoconstrictor in healthy and heaves-susceptible horses in clinical remission. The effect on ventilatory mechanics of nebulised 8-epi-PGF2alpha was compared to that of PGF2alpha and U46619, a thromboxane A2 agonist. Pulmonary resistance (R(L)) and dynamic compliance (Cdyn) were assessed in six healthy horses and in six heaves-susceptible horses in clinical remission before (baseline) and immediately after a single inhalation challenge of 1 mg 8-epi-PGF2alpha PGF2alpha, or U46619 and placebo. R(L) and Cdyn were unchanged after inhalation of 8-epi-PGF2alpha in healthy horses. In heaves-susceptible horses, 8-epi-PGF2alpha induced a significant increase of R(L) and a significant decrease of Cdyn when compared to baseline values. Differences between R(L) and Cdyn values after 8-epi-PGF2alpha inhalation and those of placebo inhalation were not significant. Differences with healthy horses were not significant. PGF2alpha and U46619 induced a significant bronchoconstriction in healthy (R(L) and Cdyn versus baseline) and heaves-susceptible horses (R(L) and Cdyn, versus baseline and placebo), the R(L) increase in heaves-susceptible horses after PGF2alpha inhalation was significantly higher than that in healthy horses. Our results suggest that 8-epi-PGF2alpha is not a bronchoconstrictor in healthy horses, and a bronchoconstrictor far less efficient than PGF2alpha and U46619 at the same dose in heaves-susceptible horses.     

Histamine inhalation provocation test: method to identify nonspecific airway reactivity in equids

After inhalation of increased concentrations of histamine solutions, equids had a decrease in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) and an increase in airway resistance, work of breathing, and maximum intrathoracic differences in pressure. Because the change in Cdyn correlated best with the inhaled histamine concentrations, airway reactivity was assessed by the decrease in Cdyn. With the use of linear regression, histamine concentrations were calculated; this resulted in a 35% reduction of Cdyn and these concentrations were defined as 35% provoking concentration Cdyn. The histamine inhalation provocation test was carried out in 40 equids. Nonspecific airway hyperreactivity was not present in equids that did not have clinical signs of respiratory tract disease, but it was present in 25% of the equids with low-grade lung disease and in all equids with severe lung disease.     

Influence of breathing pattern and lung inflation on impulse oscillometry measurements in horses

The objective of this paper was to determine if changes in ventilation patterns could influence the outcome of respiratory function measurements performed with our impulse oscillometry system (IOS) in horses. In a first study, IOS tests were performed in vitro on six isolated equine lungs. Lung inflation levels were controlled by modifying depressurisation inside an artificial thorax and different ventilation patterns were imposed. In a second in vivo study, transient variations in breathing pattern were evaluated both with the IOS and a current reference technique (CRT) in five healthy mature horses after an intravenous (i.v.) injection of lobeline hydrochloride. In both studies, respiratory rate (RR, range: 7-42 breaths/min.) and tidal volume (V(T), range: 0.4-25 L) had minor or no influence on IOS parameters. The influence of lung inflation, most marked for resistance at 5 Hz (R(5 Hz)), was limited for the considered physiological range. In vivo, statistical models indicated that maximal changes in pleural pressure (Max Delta Ppl) and peak flows were the main determinants of the variability of the resistance (R(rs)) and the reactance (X(rs)) of the respiratory system. The fourfold increase in baseline Max Delta Ppl and peak flows obtained during hyperpnoea caused a significant increase in R(rs) at 5 and 10 Hz and a decrease in X(rs) at all frequencies. We conclude that IOS parameters are not influenced by tachypnoea, but will reflect alterations in respiratory mechanics caused by hyperpnoeic breathing.     

Influence of subclinical inflammatory airway disease on equine respiratory function evaluated by impulse oscillometry

Reasons for performing study: Inflammatory airway disease (IAD) is a nonseptic condition of the lower respiratory tract. Its negative impact on respiratory function has previously been described using either forced expiration or forced oscillations techniques. However, sedation or drug‐induced bronchoconstriction were usually required. The impulse oscillometry system (IOS) is a noninvasive and sensitive respiratory function test validated in horses, which could be useful to evaluate IAD‐affected horses without further procedures. Objectives: To determine the sensitivity of IOS in detecting alterations of the respiratory function in subclinically IAD‐affected horses without inducing bronchoprovocation and to characterise their respiratory impedance according to frequency for each respiratory phase. Methods: Pulmonary function was evaluated at rest by IOS in 34 Standardbred trotters. According to the cytology of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), 19 horses were defined as IAD‐affected and 15 horses were used as control (CTL). Total respiratory resistance (Rrs) and reactance (Xrs) from 1–20 Hz as well as their inspiratory and expiratory components were compared between groups. Results: A significant increase of Rrs at the lower frequencies (R_{1–10 Hz}) as well as a significant decrease of Xrs beyond 5 Hz (X_{5–20 Hz}) was observed in IAD compared to CTL horses. IOS‐data was also significantly different between inspiration and expiration in IAD‐affected horses. In the whole population, both BALF eosinophil and mast cell counts were significantly correlated with IOS measurements. Conclusions: Functional respiratory impairment may be measured, even in the absence of clinical signs of disease. In IAD‐affected horses, the different parameters of respiratory function (Rrs or Xrs) may vary depending on the inflammatory cell profiles represented in BALF. Potential relevance: Impulse oscillometry could be used in a routine clinical setting as a noninvasive method for early detection of subclinical respiratory disease and of the results of treatment in horses.     

Effects of cadmium chloride inhalation on airflow limitation to histamine, carbachol and adenosine 5'-monophosphate assessed by barometric whole body plethysmography in healthy dogs

The effects of pharmacological bronchoprovocation on airflow patterns and surrogate respiratory parameters assessed by barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) were investigated in healthy dogs, previously exposed to cadmium chloride inhalation. BWBP-derived respiratory variables were calculated (1) at baseline and (2) following nebulisation of increasing concentrations of histamine, carbachol and adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) until enhanced pause (PENH) increased to 300% of baseline (PCPENH300). Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology before (BCC) and after (ACC) cadmium chloride inhalation revealed cadmium-induced airway inflammation. Neutrophils increased from 6.7 +/- 7.3% (728 +/- 104/microL) BCC to 77.8 +/- 8.6% (3255 +/- 1407/microL) ACC. PCPENH300 for all three agonists significantly decreased ACC (means+/-SD) as follows: PCPENH300(histamine) 0.72 +/- 0.28 mg/mL BCC, and 0.35 +/- 0.31 mg/mL ACC (P<0.02); PCPENH300(carbachol) 0.34 +/- 0.16 mg/mL BCC, and 0.064 +/- 0.032 mg/mL ACC (P<0.02); PCPENH300(AMP) 1000 mg/mL BCC, and 415 +/- 398 mg/mL ACC (P<0.03). The only clinical sign shown was coughing. It was concluded that airway hyperresponsiveness after induced airway inflammation can be determined by BWBP in conscious small sized dogs. BWBP could be a suitable technique to study the respiratory effects of urban environmental pollution in pets.     

Interactions of cold stress and Pasteurella haemolytica in the pathogenesis of pneumonic pasteurellosis in calves: changes in pulmonary function

Thirteen healthy neonatal Holstein calves were cold stressed twice by hosing with cold water for 20 minutes, 12 hours between hosings. Measurements of the pattern of ventilation [tidal volume (VT), respiratory frequency (f), minute ventilation (VMIN), and functional residual capacity (FRC)], gas exchange properties of the lungs [alveolar ventilation (VA), oxygen uptake (VO2), CO2 production (VCO2), dead space ventilation (VD), dead space/tidal volume ratio (VD/VT), arterial oxygen tension (PaO2), arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) and alveolar-arterial oxygen difference (AaDO2)] and of the mechanical properties of the pulmonary system [dynamic compliance (Cdyn), pulmonary resistance (RL), and total respiratory system resistance (RRS)] were taken. Calves responded to chilling by increasing VO2 and VCO2 necessitating an increase in VA. This was accomplished by increasing VT with reciprocal decreases in f so that VMIN remained constant. There was no change in Cdyn, RL, or AaDO2. Seven of these 13 calves were then exposed to intratracheal inoculation of 2 X 10(9) organisms of Pasteurella haemolytica, the remaining calves serving as controls. Within 1 hour, calves exposed to P haemolytica had increased VMIN, f, VD/VT, and VD. There was a decrease in PaO2 associated with increased AaDO2, but no change in PaCO2, Cdyn or RL. By 3 hours after inoculation, there were pronounced changes in PaO2 and AaDO2, and Cdyn was reduced below base-line values. By 12 hours after inoculation, calves infected with P haemolytica had increased RL and RRS and PaCO2, in addition to the previously mentioned changes. Data from Pasteurella-exposed calves indicate that gas exchange impairment and peripheral lung injury occur rapidly and that increases in airway resistance develop relatively late in the disease.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)