Bronchoscopic findings in 48 cats with spontaneous lower respiratory tract disease (2002-2009)

Background: Diagnosis of lower respiratory disease requires collection of airway samples to confirm the etiology of disease. Bronchoscopic evaluation is commonly performed in dogs but less information is available in cats. Hypothesis: The presence and number of bronchoscopic abnormalities visualized during bronchoscopic evaluation of cats with lower respiratory disease will correlate with the type of disease and total and differential cell counts in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Animals: Forty‐eight cats prospectively evaluated by a single bronchoscopist. Methods: Bronchoscopy was performed during clinical evaluation of cats presenting with cough, respiratory distress, or both. Cats were evaluated for airway hyperemia, stenosis, or collapse, mucus accumulation, bronchiectasis, and epithelial irregularities. Cats were placed into groups of bronchitis/“asthma,” pneumonia, or neoplasia based on BAL findings, histopathology, and response to appropriate medical therapy. Summation of bronchial abnormalities and total and differential cell counts were compared among groups. Results: Endobronchial abnormalities were common in cats with feline bronchitis/asthma, pneumonia, and neoplasia and no differentiating features were found. Excessive mucus accumulation was common (83%), followed by stenosis of bronchial openings and nodular epithelial irregularities (56%), airway hyperemia (54%), airway collapse (48%), and bronchiectasis (27%). Total bronchoscopic score and total cell count did not differ among groups, although differential cell counts were significantly different. A weak correlation (R²= 0.16, P= .006) between age and total bronchoscopic score was noted. Conclusions and Clinical Relevance: Bronchoscopic abnormalities are common in cats with lower respiratory tract disease, and visualization of the airways provides additional nonspecific clinical information in cats.     

Flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage in 68 cats (2001-2006)

BACKGROUND: Bronchoscopy is an important tool for identifying an underlying etiology for respiratory disease in cats. However, the procedure is challenging, because feline airways are small and prone to bronchoconstriction. HYPOTHESIS: Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are appropriate and safe diagnostic procedures in the cat. ANIMALS: Sixty-eight cats. METHODS: Flexible bronchoscopy was performed in all cats with the cats under propofol infusion with jet ventilation. The procedures were reviewed for BAL volumes instilled and recovered and for the number and type of complications with the use of 3 flexible endoscopes < 5.0-mm outer diameter. The BAL procedure was compared among scopes by using a one-way analysis of variance. Complication rates were compared by using chi-square analysis. Significance was set at P < .05. RESULTS: Clinical diagnoses included inflammatory airway disease in 46 of 68 cats, pneumonia in 10 of 68, neoplastic disease in 8 of 68, and other conditions in 4 of 68 cats. Mean lavage volumes instilled for the 3 scopes were 2.62-5.05 mL/kg (range, 0.77-9.38 mL/kg). Mean percent fluid recovered for the 3 scopes was 51-73%, (range, 0-140%). BAL cell counts were adequate for cytologic assessment (> 300 cells/microL) in 61 of 64 cats (97%), and in 107 of 120 samples (89%) collected. Complications occurred in 38% of procedures; however, these were mild in 24% of cats; 6% of cats died or were euthanized after the procedure. Complications were not associated with fluid volume instilled or recovered, and could not be related to the underlying disease process. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Flexible bronchoscopy with BAL was well tolerated in most cats examined.     

Oesophageal foreign bodies in dogs: factors affecting success of endoscopic retrieval

Oesophageal foreign bodies are common in dogs. Endoscopic removal is a viable treatment option but few studies have assessed the clinical and radiographic features that would be useful in decision-making and prognosis.Dogs (n = 44) with oesophageal foreign bodies presented to the University Veterinary Hospital were assessed. Terriers and West Highland White Terriers were significantly overrepresented (p < 0.0001) and in those breeds the foreign body was significantly (p < 0.0001) more likely to be located caudal to the heart base. The majority (88.6%) of foreign bodies were bones or bone fragments.Group 1 (n = 30) included animals where endoscopic removal was successful and Group 2 (n = 14) animals where it was unsuccessful or not attempted because of evidence of oesophageal rupture. There was no statistically significant difference in age, sex, body weight, type, location and size of foreign body, recovery rate, short-term complications and long-term outcome between the two groups. Duration of signs prior to presentation and time to spontaneous oral feeding were significantly longer (p < 0.01 in each case) in Group 2 (five days and 120 hours, respectively) compared to Group 1 (2 days and 24 hours, respectively). Mortality was 11.1%. Long-term follow-up of 29 dogs suggested oesophageal stricture formation manageable by feeding alone in seven (24.1%) cases.Terriers appear predisposed to oesophageal foreign bodies. Success of endoscopic removal is adversely affected by duration of signs prior to presentation. Surgical removal negatively influences time to recovery. Stricture formation appears to be a relatively common complication and alternate measures for its prevention should be sought.     

Tracheal foreign bodies in the cat and the use of fluoroscopy for removal: 12 cases

OBJECTIVES: To gather information to support the use of fluoroscopically guided removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. It was also the intent to produce a case series and look at the long-term outcome following tracheal foreign body removal. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed. This looked at cases of tracheal foreign bodies in cats seen at the University of Bristol veterinary school at Langford over an eight-year period. Outcome was assessed via telephone conversations with the owners. RESULTS: Twelve cats were presented with tracheal foreign bodies during this time. Ten of these foreign bodies were successfully removed using fluoroscopy and two using bronchoscopy. All cats survived. Follow-up was available for nine cats and showed no long-term complications. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Forceps removal under fluoroscopic guidance is a rapid, safe, and effective method for removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. It should be considered as an alternative to bronchoscopy for removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats. Indeed, in cases where bronchoscopy has failed, it can be attempted to avoid thoracotomy. Successful removal of tracheal foreign bodies in cats is associated with a good long-term outcome.     

Cytological Analysis of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in the Diagnosis of Spontaneous Respiratory Tract Disease in Dogs: A Retrospective Study

Results of cytological analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAD fluid were compared with clinical diagnoses in dogs that presented with signs of respiratory disease to referral hospitals. Of 68 dogs in which a clinical diagnosis was possible, BAL cytological findings were considered definitive for the diagnosis in 17 cases (25%), supportive of the diagnosis in 34 cases (50%), and not helpful in 17 cases (25%). Findings were most often considered supportive of or definitive for the clinical diagnosis in dogs with alveolar or bronchial radiographic patterns, or the presence of pulmonary masses. BAL results among lung lobes differed in 23 of 63 dogs (37%) with diffuse radiographic patterns. Tracheal wash cytology differed from BAL fluid cytology in 45 of 66 dogs (68%). Bronchoalveolar lavage was a clinically useful procedure for the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with signs of respiratory disease.     

Gastrointestinal foreign bodies in dogs and cats: a retrospective study of 208 cases

O bjectives : To establish predilection sites of obstruction and to investigate clinical factors associated with a poor outcome.
M ethods : A retrospective study of 208 consecutive cases over a 48-month period from first-opinion practice.
R esults : Overall, 91 per cent of cases recovered with higher survival rates from discrete foreign bodies (94 per cent in dogs and 100 per cent in cats) as opposed to linear foreign bodies (80 per cent in dogs and 63 per cent in cats). English bull terriers, springer spaniels, Staffordshire bull terriers, Border collies and Jack Russell terriers were over-represented. In dogs, 63 per cent of obstructions occurred in the jejunum but foreign objects were encountered at all points along the gastrointestinal tract. A longer duration of clinical signs, the presence of a linear foreign body and multiple intestinal procedures were associated with significantly increased mortality. Neither the degree of obstruction (partial or complete) nor the location of the foreign body was shown to have a significant influence on survival.
C linical S ignificance : Prompt presentation, diagnosis and surgical intervention improve the outcome of gastrointestinal obstruction by foreign bodies. At surgery, the minimal number of intestinal procedures should be performed to restore the integrity of the alimentary tract.     

Oropharyngeal penetrating injuries in 50 dogs: a retrospective study

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the presenting complaints and clinical signs associated with traumatic penetrating injuries to the canine oropharynx. To determine how the site of injury, causative agent, and duration of disease affect the presentation and clinical outcome of treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. SAMPLE POPULATION: 50 client-owned dogs. METHODS: The medical records of 50 dogs with oropharyngeal penetrating injuries referred to Glasgow University Veterinary Hospital (GUVH) between 1979-1999 were reviewed. Data regarding signalment, owners' presenting complaint, history, physical examination, radiographic and endoscopic findings, surgical findings, and outcome were recorded and compared with the GUVH population. Estimates of individual breed-specific odds ratios were calculated. Outcome was evaluated by reexamination 6 weeks after surgery with recurrence of disease recorded as failure. RESULTS: Oropharyngeal injuries occurred most often in medium to large breed dogs. The majority of dogs presented with chronic disease (82%). The common findings on clinical examination were discharging sinus (72%) and swelling (70%). Acute cases typically presented with dysphagia and oral pain. The original site of injury was evident in only 34% of dogs, with the sublingual area the most frequently traumatized. The apparent cause of injury to the oropharynx was most commonly a piece of wood (72%). Other causes were metallic foreign bodies (3 dogs) and bones (2 dogs). In the remaining 9 dogs, the cause was not determined. The clinical signs resolved in all dogs that presented acutely compared with only 62% in dogs with chronic signs. CONCLUSION: Medium to large breed dogs appear to be prone to oropharyngeal injuries caused mainly by wooden foreign bodies. This may be attributable to stick chewing or retrieving behavior in these animals. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: History of trauma, stick retrieval, submandibular/cervical swelling, and discharging sinus are commonly encountered in the presentation of this condition. The sublingual area was the most frequent portal of entry recorded, although in chronic cases the initial site of injury was often unclear. Radiography and endoscopy, while offering definitive diagnosis with positive findings, often provide false negative findings. Aggressive surgical debridement of all sinus tracts is essential in obtaining a successful result, but recovery of a foreign body is not necessarily a determinant of success.     

Incidence and characterization of esophagitis following esophageal foreign body removal in dogs: 60 cases (1999–2003)

Objective: To characterize the presence of esophagitis in dogs after esophagoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of esophageal foreign body and to relate the degree of esophageal injury to clinical signs and outcome. Design: Retrospective study. Animals, intervention, and measurements: Medical records of 60 dogs with esophageal foreign bodies diagnosed between January 1999 and December 2003 were reviewed. Information obtained from the medical records included age, breed, and sex; type and duration of clinical signs; physical examination, radiographic, and esophagoscopy findings; type and location of foreign body; surgical intervention; morbidity, and outcome. Animals were divided into 2 cohorts based upon the degree of esophageal injury detected during esophagoscopy: mild esophagitis or moderate‐to‐severe esophagitis. Data were then compared between the groups. Results: Dogs with moderate‐to‐severe esophagitis had a longer duration of clinical signs, were more likely to present for lethargy and regurgitation/vomiting, and had a longer time to recovery. This cohort had significantly greater morbidity including esophageal stricture, perforation, necrosis, and diverticulum formation, as well as aspiration pneumonia, pneumothorax, severe tracheal compression, and death. Dogs with mild esophagitis were more likely to present to the hospital for gagging. Conclusions: This study demonstrated a wide range of injury associated with esophageal foreign bodies. The degree of esophagitis appears to relate to the duration and severity of some of the clinical signs.     

Bronchoscopy in small animal medicine: indications, instrumentation, and techniques

Bronchoscopy is a useful tool in the evaluation and management of canine and feline respiratory diseases. Diagnostic indications include the evaluation of structural diseases (tracheobronchial collapse, stricture, intraluminal mass); inflammatory conditions (chronic bronchitis, pneumonia); and traumatic injuries. Several airway-sampling techniques are available with bronchoscopy; bronchoalveolar lavage has proved to be the most satisfactory specimen-collection technique. Therapeutic indications of bronchoscopy at this time in veterinary medicine are mainly limited to foreign body removal. As advances are made in veterinary bronchopulmonary medicine, other therapeutic applications of the bronchoscope may be realized.     

Incidence of foreign-body-induced ileus in dogs

While playing or simply because of avidity, dogs may ingest a variety of foreign bodies. Ingested foreign bodies, which are not stopped in the mouth or oesophagus, enter into the stomach. Once a foreign body has passed through the pylorus, jejunum and ileum appear to be the most common sites of the small intestine obstruction. The records of 103 cases, treated at the Clinic for Surgery, Orthopaedics and Ophthalmology of the Veterinarian Faculty, University of Zagreb from January 1981 till December 1998 were analysed. The analysis included the incidence of ileus caused by foreign bodies and the distribution of patients by sex, age, breed, duration of illness, site of obstruction, types of foreign bodies and the interrelation between these parameters. The results of our research show that the number of patients with foreign body induced ileus is increasing. Males ingested foreign bodies more often than females. Foreign body induced ileus was more frequently found in animals below 2 years of age. Foreign bodies were mostly ingested by mongrels, but also by popular dog breeds such as Dobermanns, Poodles, Cocker Spaniels and Rottweiler. Most of these ileus cases were found in March and October and the predominant clinical signs included anorexia, dehydration, abdominal tenderness and absence of defecation. The most common site of small intestine obstruction by foreign bodies was the jejunum, and the most effective treatment was enterotomy. Dogs mostly ingested stones, plastic and rubber objects. The treatment was more successful in dogs below 2 years of age. Patients that died post-surgically, died mostly the first day after surgery.     

Tracheobronchial Brush Cytology and Bronchoalveolar Lavage in Dogs and Cats with Chronic Cough: 45 Cases (2012–2014)

Background

Animals with chronic cough can have normal bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology when small airway disease is absent. Cytology of a tracheobronchial brushing can detect inflammation in larger airways; however, evaluation of this technique has been limited in veterinary medicine.

Objective

To compare airway brush cytology to bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis in dogs and cats with chronic cough.

Animals

Forty dogs and five cats undergoing bronchoscopic investigation of chronic cough.

Methods

Prospective study. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed followed by tracheobronchial brushing of central airways. Results of cytologic assessment of BAL fluid and brush cytology were compared for the presence or absence of inflammation and concordance of inflammatory cell type.

Results

Brush cytology detected central airway inflammation in 34 of 40 (85%) dogs with inflammatory BAL fluid. However, the type of inflammation reported differed in 23 of 34 dogs. In five cats with inflammation in BAL fluid, brush cytology detected inflammation in four; the type of inflammation was discordant in all cats.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Brush cytology has good agreement with BAL regarding the presence of inflammation, although the type of inflammation detected with the different sampling techniques commonly varies. Brush cytology can provide supplementary information to BAL, and additional studies will provide further information on the role of tracheobronchial brush cytology in the diagnosis and management of respiratory conditions.     

Bronchodilators in bronchoscopy-induced airflow limitation in allergen-sensitized cats

This study investigated the effect of bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) on respiratory function, determined by barometric whole-body plethysmography (BWBP), of healthy and allergen-sensitized cats. Furthermore, the efficacy of inhaled bronchodilators in preventing changes in respiratory function was determined. For test 1, 18 healthy experimental cats were investigated on day 1 by BWBP. On day 2, the cats underwent BWBP after sedation (medetomidine), after anesthesia induction (propofol), and after bronchoscopy and BAL. Enhanced pause (Penh) was significantly increased after bronchoscopy and BAL (1.64 +/- 0.17 versus 1.23 +/- 0.07, P < .05). For test 2, 6 cats were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA), 6 cats were sensitized to Ascaris suum (AS), and 6 cats served as controls. On day 0, OVA- and AS-sensitized cats underwent an inhaled allergen challenge, whereas controls were exposed to saline. On days 1 and 2, the same protocol as described for test 1 was repeated. Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized cats was significantly higher than at test 1 (2.28 +/- 0.22 versus 1.69 +/- 0.33, P < .05) and was correlated with BAL fluid neutrophil count (r = 0.55, P < .05). During tests 3, 4, and 5, the same protocol as used for test 2 was applied to each cat group, with the animals being randomly treated before sedation with inhaled salbutamol (200 microg), ipratropium bromide (40 microg), or a combination of both (200 + 40 microg). Post-BAL Penh of the AS-sensitized group was significantly decreased after the salbutamol + ipratropium bromide treatment (1.56 +/- 0.18 versus 2.28 +/- 0.22, P < .05). This study suggests that bronchoscopy and BAL induce airflow limitation in cats, which is more severe in the presence of lower airway inflammation. Inhaled salbutamol + ipratropium bromide reduce BAL-induced bronchoconstriction in AS-challenged cats and might be recommended as preventive treatment of asthmatic cats undergoing bronchoscopy.     

Tracheal Collapse and Bronchomalacia in Dogs: 58 Cases (7/2001–1/2008)

Background: Tracheobronchomalacia is diagnosed in people by documentation of a reduction in airway diameter during bronchoscopy. While tracheal collapse in the dog has been well described in the literature, little information is available on bronchomalacia in the dog. Hypotheses: Bronchomalacia is common in dogs with tracheal collapse, is associated with inflammatory airway disease, and is poorly documented radiographically. Animals: One hundred and fifteen dogs admitted for evaluation for respiratory disease and examined by bronchoscopy. Methods: Case‐controlled, observational study. Dogs examined and having a bronchoscopic procedure performed by a single operator were separated into groups with and without visually identified airway collapse. Clinical parameters and bronchoalveolar lavage findings were compared between groups. Radiographs were reviewed in masked fashion to assess the sensitivity and specificity for detection of bronchomalacia. Results: Tracheobronchomalacia was documented in 50% of dogs examined, with tracheal collapse in 21% and bronchomalacia in 47%. In dogs with bronchomalacia, collapse of the right middle (59%) and left cranial (52%) lung lobes was identified most commonly. Dogs with bronchomalacia were significantly more likely to display normal airway cytology and to have mitral regurgitation and cardiomegaly than dogs without airway collapse (P < .05). Radiographs were insensitive for detection of airway collapse. Conclusions and Clinical Importance: Bronchomalacia was identified more commonly than tracheal collapse in this population of dogs, and documentation required bronchoscopy. This study could not confirm a role for airway inflammation in bronchomalacia, and further studies are required to determine the role of cardiomegaly in the disorder.     

Sinography in the Investigation of Draining Tracts in Small Animals: Retrospective Review of 25 Cases

The signalment, history, clinical signs, radiographic findings, and surgical findings of 25 consecutive animals that had sinography were reviewed to assess the contribution made by sinography to diagnosing and surgically managing draining tracts in small animals. There were 23 dogs and 2 cats; a variety of breeds and both sexes were represented (18 males, 7 females). Before referral the mean duration of clinical signs was 9.8 months (range, 0.5 to 33 months) and a mean of 2.0 surgical procedures (range, 1 to 5) had been performed. Sinuses occurred in a variety of locations, most commonly the neck (10), head (6), and paws (5). The most common cause was foreign body (15). Survey radiographs showed abnormalities in 21 of 26 (78%) instances, including soft-tissue swelling (11), chronic-appearing periosteal reaction on adjacent bones (5), possible foreign body (4), and gas in soft tissues (2). Sinography (or fistulography) enabled definite diagnosis of the cause of the sinus (or fistula) in 15 of 26 (58%) instances and demonstrated 13 of 15 foreign bodies (sensitivity 87%; specificity 100%). Tracts caused by an esophageal perforation and otitis media were also correctly shown by fistulography. In 11 animals, sinography indicated that the position or extent of the lesion was different to that expected on the basis of clinical signs and survey radiographs.     

Radiography, computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy in four dogs and two cats with lung lobe torsion

This report describes the imaging features of radiography, computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy in dogs and cats with lung lobe torsions. The medical records, thoracic radiographs and computed tomography images of four dogs and two cats with confirmed lung lobe torsions were retrospectively reviewed. Computed tomography with virtual bronchoscopy showed bronchial narrowing, collapse or occlusion in all six animals, while this was only appreciated on one radiographic examination. A tapering terminating angle of the air-filled bronchus proximal or distal to the collapsed region was seen only on computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy in all six animals. The vesicular emphysema pattern typical of lung lobe torsion was seen on three computed tomographies but only on one radiographic examination. The lung lobe torsion-specific findings of vesicular emphysema and a proximally narrowed or occluded bronchus were more easily recognised on computed tomography and virtual bronchoscopy than with radiographs. Computed tomography slices acquired through the bronchus and lung lobe of interest in a cat or dog with possible lung lobe torsion can be reformatted into virtual bronchoscopic images that can be utilised along with computed tomography to help make a more definitive preoperative diagnosis.     

Use of a modified stomach tube for bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs

A technique that did not require use of a bronchoscope for bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in dogs was developed. An inexpensive, readily available 16-F Levin-type stomach tube was modified for the procedure. The technique was effective for collecting BAL fluid in 9 dogs that ranged from 9.3 to 26.2 kg (20.5 to 57.6 lb). Recovered fluid was consistent with fluid collected bronchoscopically. Mean recovery volume was 84/125 ml (67%), mean WBC counts were high (> 300 cells/microl), and > 70% of cells were macrophages. Complications from use of the technique were not detected on the basis of pulse oximetry, thoracic radiography, and clinical observation. This effective, simple, and safe technique for BAL can be readily performed in clinical settings that do not have bronchoscopic capabilities. It also provides a less costly alternative than bronchoscopic BAL.     

Comparison of results of thoracic radiography, cytologic evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and histologic evaluation of lung specimens in dogs with respiratory tract disease: 16 cases (1996-2000)

OBJECTIVE: To compare results of thoracic radiography, cytologic evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and histologic evaluation of biopsy and necropsy specimens in dogs with respiratory tract disease and to determine whether histologic evaluation provides important diagnostic information not attainable by the other methods. DESIGN: Retrospective study. ANIMALS: 16 dogs. PROCEDURE: BAL fluid was classified as normal, neutrophilic, eosinophilic, mononuclear, mixed, neoplastic, or nondiagnostic. Radiographic abnormalities were classified as interstitial, bronchial, bronchointerstitial, or alveolar. Histologic lesions were classified as inflammatory, fibrotic, or neoplastic, and the predominant site of histologic lesions was classified as the alveoli, interstitium, or airway. RESULTS: The predominant radiographic location of lesions correlated with the histologic location in 8 dogs. Of 11 dogs with histologic evidence of inflammatory disease, 8 had inflammatory BAL fluid. Of the 2 dogs with histologic evidence of neoplasia, 1 had BAL fluid suggestive of neoplasia, and the other had BAL fluid consistent with septic purulent inflammation. Two dogs without any histologic abnormalities had mononuclear or nondiagnostic BAL fluid. Two dogs with histologic evidence of fibrosis had mononuclear or mixed inflammatory BAL fluid. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggest that although thoracic radiography, cytologic evaluation of BAL fluid, and histologic evaluation of lung specimens are complementary, each method has limitations in regard to how well results reflect the underlying disease process in dogs with respiratory tract disease. Lung biopsy should be considered in cases where results of radiography and cytology are nondiagnostic.     

Endoscopic removal of foreign bodies from cats or dogs

Foreign bodies in the airways or intestines of dogs or cats are a common problem in companion animal practice. Improved endoscopic techniques, together with their greater availability, mean that it is often possible to remove the foreign body endoscopically, making surgery unnecessary. This article describes 53 cats and dogs in which a foreign body was detected and, where possible, removed. Results are compared with those in the literature. Practical guidelines for foreign body removal in specific cases are described, focusing on therapy and prognosis.     

Canine Chronic Bronchitis

Eighteen dogs with chronic bronchitis were studied using physiologic, radiologic, microbiologic, and pathologic techniques. Twelve of these dogs were evaluated before and after two weeks of oral bronchodilator administration. Thoracic radiographs, tidal breathing flow-volume loops, radioaerosol ventilation scans, airway appearance at bronchoscopy, and airway pathology were abnormal in the majority of dogs studied. There was a significant relationship between abnormal ventilation scans and abnormal results for PaO2 and end-tidal airflow. Bronchoscopy revealed excessive mucus and inflammation of airway mucosa in all 16 dogs undergoing this procedure. Endoscopically obtained aerobic bacterial cultures grew mixed bacterial flora in only three dogs. Increased numbers of neutrophils in 14 dogs were detected by airway lavage cytology. A large number of eosinophils were seen in airway lavages obtained from two dogs; these two dogs also had evidence for eosinophilic bronchitis on endobronchial biopsy. Oral bronchodilator administration resulted in clinical and expiratory airflow improvements in most dogs, but had no effect on PaO2 or on the radioaerosol-scan abnormalities. The presence of both the physiologic and pathologic airway abnormalities of chronic bronchitis in dogs presented to a veterinary hospital with chronic unexplained cough was confirmed, suggesting that aerobic bacteria do not play an etiologic role in most cases.     

Cellular composition of bronchial brushings obtained from healthy dogs and dogs with chronic cough and cytologic composition of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from dogs with chronic cough

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether bronchial brushings from dogs with chronic cough have increased numbers of goblet cells and WBCs, compared with numbers for healthy dogs, or have differing WBC populations, compared with populations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained from dogs with chronic cough. ANIMALS: 9 healthy dogs and 10 dogs with chronic cough. PROCEDURE: Specimens were collected by use of bronchoscopy. Cellular composition was determined for brushings, and results from dogs with chronic cough were compared with those from healthy dogs. Cellular composition of brushings was compared with composition of BAL obtained from dogs with chronic cough. RESULTS: Brushings from healthy dogs contained a median of 2.9 x 10(6) epithelial cells, comprising 100% epithelial cells (96% ciliated, 3% goblet, and 1% other) and no WBCs. Brushings from dogs with chronic cough had 4.5 x 10(6) epithelial cells, comprising 93% epithelial cells (86% ciliated, 2% goblet, and 12% other). Dogs with chronic cough had significantly greater percentages of WBCs (7%) and neutrophils (6%), compared with values for healthy dogs. Five dogs with chronic cough had no neutrophilic inflammation evident in BAL, but 4 of these had evidence of neutrophilic inflammation in brushings. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Neutrophils, but not goblet cells, were increased in brushings from dogs with chronic cough. Analysis of bronchial brushings provides information about airway inflammation that differs from that found by examination of BAL in some dogs with chronic cough and is a more sensitive indicator of airway inflammation than cytologic examination of BAL in these dogs.