Allows the veterinarian to directly view the upper respiratory tract, guttural pouches, trachea, and upper airways of the lungs. Reasons for endoscopic examination include upper airway noise, difficulty inhaling, poor exercise performance, and 1- or 2-sided nasal discharge.
X-rays of the skull
Used to investigate facial deformity, abnormalities of the sinuses, guttural pouch, and tissues at the back of the mouth and throat.
X-rays of the neck
Used to investigate possible airway obstruction.
Transtracheal wash
Used to obtain secretions for bacterial and fungal culture.
Bronchoalveolar lavage
Used to obtain respiratory secretions for microscopic examination.
Nasal swab culture
Used to obtain samples for bacterial culture.
X-rays of the chest
Detects abnormalities of the lungs, heart, and diaphragm.
Chest ultrasonography
Used to identify the volume, location, and character of fluid or air within the chest cavity.
Pleurocentesis
Sampling of fluid from the chest cavity; guided by ultrasonography.
Lung biopsy and fine needle aspirate
Used to obtain tissue samples for final diagnosis of lung tumors, lung fibrosis, and other disease.
