Influence of age on bronchoscopic findings in healthy beagle dogs

Abstract

a b s t r a c tThe aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of age on bronchoscopic features and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity in dogs. Thirty healthy beagle dogs from three age groups were included: young dogs (10 months to 4.5 years of age; n = 8), middle-aged dogs (5-8 years old; n = 13) and older dogs (>8 years; n = 9). Haematology, thoracic radiography, bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage were performed; bronchoscopic findings were scored and BALF total and differential cell counts were determined. The total bronchoscopic score was higher in older dogs; these dogs had more irregular bronchial mucosa, more prominent mucosal vessels and bronchiectasis. Younger dogs had a higher percentage of neutrophils in BALF compared with middle-aged and old dogs and a higher percentage of lymphocytes in BALF compared with middle-aged dogs. The results show that age has an effect on bronchoscopic features of airways and the composition of BALF in the dog.

Tracheobronchoscopic, cytological and microbiological results of tracheal and bronchial collapse in dogs

“…In parallel to these observations (5,11,12,14), in the current study, detailed tracheobronchoscopic examinations of dogs with tracheal and/or bronchial collapse and cytological and microbiological results of BAL fluids were evaluated. Scoring systems based on predefined macroscopic findings are used to improve objectivity in the assessment of the type and severity of bronchial lesions (2,8,11,15). As reported previously (13), in this study, a scoring system was used to compare the tracheobronchoscopic data of the cases.…”

“…Tracheobronchoscopy is an important procedure for evaluating respiratory diseases in dogs with abnormal breathing patterns and chronic coughing (1, 2, 4, 9, 10, 14, 15), and airway collapse can be graded and documented only by using endoscopic examinations (8,14). Respiratory tract visualization with an endoscope makes it possible to assess the upper and lower respiratory mucosa (8,14), evaluate dynamic airway changes (2,11,14) and collect deep respiratory samples for cytology, histology and culture (5-7, 9, 11-14). In parallel to these observations (5,11,12,14), in the current study, detailed tracheobronchoscopic examinations of dogs with tracheal and/or bronchial collapse and cytological and microbiological results of BAL fluids were evaluated.…”

“…Respiratory tract visualization with an endoscope makes it possible to assess the upper and lower respiratory mucosa (8,14), evaluate dynamic airway changes (2,11,14) and collect deep respiratory samples for cytology, histology and culture (5-7, 9, 11-14). In parallel to these observations (5,11,12,14), in the current study, detailed tracheobronchoscopic examinations of dogs with tracheal and/or bronchial collapse and cytological and microbiological results of BAL fluids were evaluated. Scoring systems based on predefined macroscopic findings are used to improve objectivity in the assessment of the type and severity of bronchial lesions (2,8,11,15).…”

“…According to these results, diagnoses of the cases were made, and the severity of the disease was evaluated. Irregularity of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa may be related to the presence of subclinical chronic inflammatory changes (11). Chondral ring abnormalities are more common in dogs with tracheal collapse (2,8).…”

“…These pathologies are graded by tracheobronchoscopic examination (1,2,7,8,11,14), and intraluminal appearances are scored to demonstrate the severity of the disease (2,4,11,14,15). Cytological evaluation of the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid or tracheal brush cytology is made 1) This study was performed with support from a scientific research project from Uludag University (Project no: BUAP(V)-2014/1).…”