-Bronchoscopy - Additional Information:

  • Advantages:

    • Most sensitive test to evaluate large and small airways
    • Functional assessment of upper airway disease and tracheal collapse
    • Only method available to collect samples from lower airways/interstitum
    • Directed sampling possible
    • Determination of prognosis for many diseases, e.g. chronic bronchitis

  • Indications:

    • Chronic Coughing
    • Pulmonary neoplasia
    • Suspected tracheal collapse or other dynamic airway disease
    • Abnormal radiographic findings
    • Stridor and other abnormal breathing patterns
    • Foreign body

  • Therapeutic Applications:

    • Intraluminal tracheal stent

      • Most effective treatment for intrathoracic tracheal collapse that fails medical management

    • Foreign body removal

  • Risks/Complications:

    • Reflex stimulation (laryngospasm, bronchospasm)
    • Hypoxemia
    • Prolonged recovery from anesthesia
    • Barotrauma

  • Preparation for Procedure:

    • Cats – terbutaline (0.01 mg/kg SQ BID) starting 24 hours prior to procedure