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Hartung BF, Mueller RS, Gauss J, Weitzer T, Boehm TMSA, Palić J, Schulz B. Reactions to environmental allergens in cats with feline lower airway disease. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1267496. [PMID: 38130436 PMCID: PMC10734688 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1267496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Aeroallergens have been discussed as potential triggers for feline asthma (FA), which can be induced experimentally by allergen sensitization. To date, only few studies have investigated reactions to environmental allergens in cats with naturally occurring feline lower airway disease (FLAD). The aim of the study was to compare results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum allergen-specific immunoglobulin E-(IgE) testing (SAT) in cats with FLAD, and to investigate possible associations with allergen exposure. Material and methods Eight cats with eosinophilic airway inflammation (EI), ten cats with mixed inflammation (MI), six with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), and 24 healthy cats (HC) were included. Cats diagnosed with FLAD were assigned to the different inflammatory groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BLAF) cytology. SAT was performed in all cats; IDT was only carried out in cats with FLAD. Information about the cats' environment and potential allergen exposure was obtained using an owner questionnaire. Results In comparison to 83% of HC with positive reactions on SAT only 52% of cats with FLAD had positive responses (p = 0.051). Significantly more positive reactions per cat were detected on IDT than on SAT (p = 0.001). No significant difference was found for positive reactions per cat on SAT when compared between HC, NI, EI, and MI (p = 0.377). Only "slight" agreement was found for most allergens when reactions obtained in both tests in cats with FLAD were compared, except for "moderate" agreement for English plantain (k = 0.504) and Alternaria alternata (k = 0.488). Overall, no clear association between the cats' environment and allergen reactions were detected. Conclusions and clinical importance Interpretation of allergy test results in cats with FLAD should be done in the context of clinical signs and individual factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte F. Hartung
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf S. Mueller
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jana Gauss
- Statistical Consulting Unit StaBLab, Department of Statistics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tamara Weitzer
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Jelena Palić
- Vet Med Labor GmbH Division of IDEXX Laboratories, Kornwestheim, Germany
| | - Bianka Schulz
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Richter P, Stursberg U, Pfeiffer I, Loesenbeck G, Sauter-Louis C, Hartmann K, Mueller RS, Doerfelt R, Schulz BS. Intradermal testing and serum allergen-specific IgE-testing in cats with naturally occurring feline bronchial disease. TIERARZTLICHE PRAXIS. AUSGABE K, KLEINTIERE/HEIMTIERE 2023; 51:403-410. [PMID: 38056477 DOI: 10.1055/a-2190-4139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES While feline asthma (FA) is considered to be of allergic origin, the etiology of feline chronic bronchitis (CB) to date is unknown. Aim of the study was to compare the results of intradermal testing (IDT) and serum testing for allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (SAT) in cats diagnosed with FA and CB. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-seven client-owned cats with clinical signs, suggestive of feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) were prospectively enrolled in the study. Patients were assigned to 3 groups based on results of bronchoalveolar-lavage-fluid (BALF)-cytology: FA (n=8), CB (n=10), or cats with a physiological BALF cytology (PB; n=9). A standardized IDT for 27 allergens was performed in all cats. In addition, allergen-specific IgE was measured in serum samples using an FcεRIα-ELISA. The number of positive reactions in both tests was compared between groups, and agreement between test results of both tests was evaluated. RESULTS Regarding the number of positive reactions, no statistically significant difference was detected between groups in IDT (p=0.65) and SAT (p=0.51). When comparing the 2 test systems, a weak correlation was found for the allergens Tyrophagus putrescentiae (k=0.256), Dermatophagoides farinae (k=0.276), and rye (k=0.273). The most commonly observed reactions were to house dust mites, storage mites, rye and nettle in IDT and to sheep sorrel, storage mites, and house dust mites in SAT. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE IDT and SAT in cats with feline inflammatory bronchial disease (FBD) cannot be used interchangeably for allergen detection. Sensitization to environmental allergens can occur in cats with and without airway inflammation. Therefore, a positive test result should always be assessed in context with clinical signs and allergen exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Richter
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Stursberg
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | | | - Gerhard Loesenbeck
- Laboklin GmbH & Co. KG, Laboratory for Clinical Diagnostics, Bad Kissingen, Germany
| | - Carola Sauter-Louis
- Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf S Mueller
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Renè Doerfelt
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
| | - Bianka S Schulz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Germany
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Hörner-Schmid L, Palić J, Mueller RS, Schulz B. Serum Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Cats with Inflammatory Bronchial Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:3226. [PMID: 37893950 PMCID: PMC10603667 DOI: 10.3390/ani13203226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of feline inflammatory bronchial disease is poorly understood. This study compares the degree of allergen-specific serum IgE responses between cats with feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, mixed inflammation, and clinically healthy cats (HCs). The retrospective case-control study used serum from eighteen cats with eosinophilic inflammation (EI), ten with neutrophilic inflammation (NI), six with mixed inflammation (MI), and fourteen HCs. Affected cats were categorized into groups based on bronchoalveolar lavage cytology. The measurement of IgE for 34 different allergens including fungal organisms, weeds, grasses, trees, mites, and insects was performed using an indirect ELISA. Positive reactions to allergens were detected in the serum of 17/18 cats with EI, 8/10 with NI, 6/6 with MI, and 11/14 HCs (p = 0.364). When overall positive reactions were compared between groups, cats with MI (p = <0.01) had significantly more positive reactions against mite allergens than HCs. Blood eosinophils inversely correlated with the absolute amount of allergen-specific serum IgE expressed in ELISA absorbance units (EAs) (p = 0.014). Sensitization against dust mites seems to be more prevalent in cats with MI. However, positive IgE reactions can be observed in healthy and diseased cats, and, therefore, need to be interpreted in the light of clinical findings and environmental conditions of individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jelena Palić
- Vet Med Labor GmbH Division of IDEXX Laboratories, 70806 Kornwestheim, Germany
| | - Ralf S. Mueller
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Bianka Schulz
- LMU Small Animal Clinic, University of Munich, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Werner M, Weeger J, Hörner-Schmid L, Weber K, Palić J, Shih J, Suchodolski JS, Pilla R, Schulz B. Comparison of the respiratory bacterial microbiome in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1148849. [PMID: 37051512 PMCID: PMC10083293 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1148849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectivesWhile feline chronic bronchitis (CB) is known as neutrophilic bronchial inflammation (NI), feline asthma (FA) is defined as an eosinophilic airway inflammation (EI). Feline chronic bronchial disease refers to both syndromes, with similar clinical presentations and applied treatment strategies. Recent studies described alterations of the microbiota composition in cats with FA, but little is known about the comparison of the lung microbiota between different types of feline bronchial disease. The study aimed to describe the bacterial microbiota of the lower respiratory tracts of cats with FA and CB and to identify potential differences.MethodsTwenty-two client-owned cats with FA (n = 15) or CB (n = 7) confirmed via bronchoalveolar-lavage (BALF)-cytology were included. Next-generation sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA genes was performed on bacterial DNA derived from BALF samples. QIIME was used to compare microbial composition and diversity between groups.ResultsEvenness and alpha-diversity-indices did not significantly differ between cats with FA and CB (Shannon p = 0.084, Chao 1 p = 0.698, observed ASVs p = 0.944). Based on a PERMANOVA analysis, no significant differences were observed in microbial composition between animals of both groups (Bray-Curtis metric, R-value 0.086, p = 0.785; unweighted UniFrac metric, R-value −0.089, p = 0.799; weighted Unifrac metric, R-value −0.072, p = 0.823). Regarding taxonomic composition, significant differences were detected for Actinobacteria on the phylum level (p = 0.026), Mycoplasma spp. (p = 0.048), and Acinetobacteria (p = 0.049) on the genus level between cats with FA and CB, with generally strong interindividual differences seen. There was a significant difference in the duration of clinical signs before diagnosis in animals dominated by Bacteriodetes (median 12 months, range 2–58 months) compared to animals dominated by Proteobacteria (median 1 month, range 1 day to 18 months; p = 0.003).Conclusions and relevanceLung microbiota composition is very similar in cat populations with spontaneous FA and CB besides small differences in some bacterial groups. However, with disease progression, the lung microbiome of cats with both diseases appears to shift away from dominantly Proteobacteria to a pattern more dominated by Bacteriodetes. A substantial proportion of cats tested positive for Mycoplasma spp. via sequencing, while none of them tested positive using classical PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Werner
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
- Clinic for Small Animal Internal Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmin Weeger
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Lina Hörner-Schmid
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Weber
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Jelena Palić
- Vet Med Labor GmbH, Division of IDEXX Laboratories, Kornwestheim, Germany
| | - Jonathan Shih
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Bianka Schulz
- Clinic of Small Animal Internal Medicine, Centre for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilian-University, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Bianka Schulz
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Hsieh PI, Chen HW, Yeh HN, Lam MC, Lo PY, Huang WH, Shih CH, Lin CH. Constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans with a presumptive etiology of preceding feline herpesvirus infection in a cat. BMC Vet Res 2022; 18:258. [PMID: 35790990 PMCID: PMC9254555 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-022-03368-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Bronchiolar disorders are rarely recognized in cats. Constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans is characterized by concentric peribronchiolar fibrosis and inflammation of the bronchioles, but the underlying causes remain poorly understood in current small animal medicine.
Case presentation
A 9-year-old cat presented with paroxysmal tachypnea, infrequent cough and persistent labor breathing. Thoracic radiography showed lung hyperinflation and bronchointerstitial pattern, and pulmonary function assessment revealed flow limitation in the late-expiratory phase and poor response to short-acting bronchodilator. Dorsally distributed subpleural ground glass opacities with distinct margin and tree-in-bud opacities were observed on lung high-resolution computed tomography. The cat underwent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and showed severe neutrophilic inflammation. Feline herpesvirus was the only pathogen detected in the BAL fluid. Multiple therapeutic attempts were unsuccessful and the cat died 8 weeks after the initial presentation. Necropsy revealed the infiltration of inflammatory cells, obstruction of the bronchiolar lumen, and submucosal concentric fibrosis suggesting constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans. Combining the pre- and post-mortem findings, as well as the time from symptom onset or BAL to necropsy, constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans was possibly triggered by a preceding feline herpesvirus infection in this case.
Conclusions
The history of nonvaccinated status, lower airway neutrophilic inflammation, and presence of feline herpesvirus in the BAL fluid without coexistence of other pathogens led to the presumption that constrictive bronchiolitis obliterans was induced by a preceding feline herpesvirus infection in this cat. The pathological changes of bronchiolitis obliterans induced by a preceding feline herpesvirus infection could be different from that of cats with acute herpesvirus pneumonia, such as intranuclear inclusions would disappear over time and were no longer found 7–10 days after inoculation. The presence of patchy distribution of subpleural ground glass opacities on lung high-resolution computed tomography should raise the suspicion of peribronchiolar fibrosis. Clinical awareness of bronchiolar disorders as a differential diagnosis is important in cats with lung hyperinflation and labored breathing who show poor reversibility to bronchodilator.
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Dear JD, Vernau W, Johnson EG, Hulsebosch SE, Johnson LR. Clinicopathologic and radiographic features in 33 cats with aspiration and 26 cats with bronchopneumonia (2007-2017). J Vet Intern Med 2020; 35:480-489. [PMID: 33315286 PMCID: PMC7848386 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.16005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aspiration pneumonia (AP) and bronchopneumonia (BP) are poorly characterized diseases in cats that share clinical similarities to inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Objectives Describe clinicopathologic, radiographic, and microbiologic features in cats with AP and BP and compare findings to those in cats with IAD. Animals Thirty‐three cats with AP and 26 with BP; 44 cats with IAD. Methods Retrospective case‐control study. Results extracted for all cats included signalment, physical examination findings, historical details, and potential risk factors for aspiration. Diagnostic test results were summarized including CBC, bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid analysis and microbial culture. Radiographs were reviewed in masked fashion and scored for severity. Results of BAL fluid analysis were assessed for evidence of septic inflammation. Results Cats with AP were less likely to be presented for evaluation of cough (P < .001) and more likely to be hypothermic (P = .01) than were cats with IAD or BP. Median duration of signs was significantly shorter in cats with AP (12 days) compared to cats with BP or IAD (270 and 180 days; P = .01). Radiographically, cats with AP were more likely to have an alveolar pattern and higher total score than were cats with BP or IAD. Mycoplasma spp. were the organisms most commonly cultured from BAL fluid in cats with BP, but were not cultured from any cats with AP. Conclusion and Clinical Importance Pneumonia must be distinguished from IAD in cats with cough and AP should be considered in cats with acute onset of tachypnea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Dear
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Eric G Johnson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Sean E Hulsebosch
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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Buller MC, Johnson LR, Outerbridge CA, Vernau W, White SD. Serum immunoglobulin E responses to aeroallergens in cats with naturally occurring airway eosinophilia compared to unaffected control cats. J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:2671-2676. [PMID: 33140902 PMCID: PMC7694819 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eosinophilic airway disease in cats is sometimes described as allergic in origin, but controversy exists in the documentation of allergy in cats and the utility of allergy testing for respiratory tract diseases. OBJECTIVE To examine serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) response to aeroallergens in cats with airway eosinophilia. ANIMALS Fifteen cats with idiopathic eosinophilic airway inflammation and 9 control cats. METHODS Prospective, case-control study. Surplus serum from cats with airway eosinophilia documented by bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage was submitted for IgE measurement using ELISA polyclonal antibody methodology. Responses for regional allergens (fungal organisms, weeds, grasses, trees, mites, insects) were assessed. Results were reported as ELISA absorbance units with scores 0 to 79 considered negative, scores between 80 and 300 considered intermediate, and scores >300 considered positive. RESULTS Cats with airway eosinophilia had significantly more positive serum IgE responses (25/720) than did healthy controls (5/432, P = .02); however, the number of cats with positive IgE responses (5/15) did not differ from controls (1/9, P = .35). The allergen that most commonly resulted in positive serum IgE response in cats with airway eosinophilia was dust mite (n = 4) followed by 2 types of storage mites (n = 3 each). No control cat tested positive for these allergens. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Serum IgE production against aeroallergens was found in some cats with eosinophilic airway inflammation, but the number of affected cats with positive results did not differ from controls. Further investigation in cats with eosinophilic, mixed, and neutrophilic airway disease in comparison to control cats is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Buller
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Catherine A Outerbridge
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Stephen D White
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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Grotheer M, Hirschberger J, Hartmann K, Castelletti N, Schulz B. Comparison of signalment, clinical, laboratory and radiographic parameters in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. J Feline Med Surg 2020; 22:649-655. [PMID: 31483195 PMCID: PMC10814432 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x19872428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Feline asthma (FA) and feline chronic bronchitis (CB) are common respiratory conditions in cats, frequently referred to as 'feline lower airway disease'. However, the aetiologies of both inflammatory airway diseases are probably different. Little is known about the differences in signalment, clinical signs, laboratory abnormalities and radiographic features between cats with these two airway diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate whether certain parameters can help in differentiating between both diseases, as distinguished by airway cytology. METHODS Seventy-three cats with FA and 24 cats with CB were included in the retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were compatible clinical signs and a cytological evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid indicating either FA (eosinophilic inflammation) or CB (neutrophilic inflammation) without cytological or microbiological evidence of bacterial infection. Parameters of signalment, physical examination, haematology and thoracic radiographs of both disease groups were compared statistically (P <0.05). RESULTS The median age of cats with FA was 6 years, and was 7.5 years in cats with CB (P = 0.640). The most commonly reported clinical signs in both groups were a cough (95% FA/96% CB; P = 1.000), pathological pulmonary auscultatory sounds (82% FA/79% CB; P = 0.766) and dyspnoea (73% FA/79% CB; P = 0.601). Abnormal radiographic lung patterns were detected in 94% of cats with FA and 91% with CB (P = 0.629), respectively. Blood eosinophilia was significantly more common in cats with FA (40%) compared with CB (27%) (P = 0.026). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The study indicates that a differentiation of FA and CB by means of signalment, a single clinical sign, and haematological and radiographic findings is not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maike Grotheer
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Hirschberger
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Noemi Castelletti
- Department of Statistics, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bianka Schulz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Lee EA, Johnson LR, Johnson EG, Vernau W. Clinical features and radiographic findings in cats with eosinophilic, neutrophilic, and mixed airway inflammation (2011-2018). J Vet Intern Med 2020; 34:1291-1299. [PMID: 32338397 PMCID: PMC7255660 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Idiopathic inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in cats often is described as asthmatic (eosinophilic) or bronchitic (neutrophilic), but this designation requires collection of airway fluid and it fails to consider cats with mixed airway inflammation. Objective To identify clinical features that would differentiate inflammatory disease types. Animals Forty‐nine cats with nonspecific airway inflammation identified by bronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) between 2011 and 2018 were evaluated. Methods This is a retrospective study. Cats were categorized by BAL differential cytology as having eosinophilic (eosinophils >20% with neutrophils <14%, or eosinophils >50%), mixed (eosinophils 20%‐50% and neutrophils >14% or discordant inflammation from 2 BAL sites), or neutrophilic (neutrophils >14% and eosinophils <20%) inflammation. Type and duration of presenting complaints, signalment, body condition score, respiratory rate, CBC results, bronchoscopy, BAL results (% recovery, total nucleated cell count, differential cell count), and radiographic findings were compared among groups. Results Idiopathic IAD was diagnosed in 49 cats, with BAL eosinophilic inflammation in 23, mixed inflammation in 14, and neutrophilic inflammation in 12. Cough was the predominant presenting complaint with no difference in duration of signs among groups (median, 5.5 months). Respiratory rate and effort also did not differ. Cats with eosinophilic inflammation were significantly younger (4.4 ± 3.3 years) than those with neutrophilic (8.0 ±5.6 years) or mixed inflammation (7.5 ± 4.0 years; P = .03). Results of CBC and interpretation of radiographic findings did not differ among groups. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Substantial overlap exists in clinical and radiographic findings in cats with various forms of idiopathic airway inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Lee
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Eric G Johnson
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
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Lin CH, Lo PY, Wu HD. An observational study of the role of indoor air pollution in pets with naturally acquired bronchial/lung disease. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:314-320. [PMID: 31901015 PMCID: PMC7397909 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Indoor air pollution (IAP) is an emerging issue for both human and veterinary patients under the concept of ‘One Health’. The association between IAP and respiratory disease in companion animals has been reported. Objectives The present study investigated the relationship between quantifiable indoor air quality and clinical characteristics of naturally acquired bronchial/lung disease in pet dogs and cats. Methods A total of 36 clinical cases (20 dogs and 16 cats) with naturally acquired bronchial/lung disease were prospectively recruited. Lower airway samples were collected and analysed, and clinical signs and the information from pulmonary function testing were examined. Indoor air quality was estimated by the average concentration of particles measuring ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5, μg/m3) and volatile organic compounds (VOC, ppm) in the animals’ domestic microenvironments. Results Exposure to IAP was not found to be correlated with the severity of clinical signs, pulmonary function changes or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytology in cats with bronchial/lung disease. However, a hypercellular response in canine lower airways was found to be associated with poor indoor air quality, including unacceptable indoor PM2.5 levels (>35 μg/m3) or increases in VOC concentration (>1 ppm) in places most commonly frequented by the dogs in the home. Conclusions Poor indoor air quality may exacerbate airway disease in pets and should not be ignored in modern society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hui Lin
- National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ying Lo
- National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Huey-Dong Wu
- Section of Respiratory Therapy, Department of Integrated Diagnostics and Therapeutics, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Dear
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA. https://twitter.com/jddear
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12
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Crisi PE, Johnson LR, Di Cesare A, De Santis F, Di Tommaso M, Morelli S, Pantaleo S, Luciani A, Schaper R, Pampurini F, Boari A. Evaluation of Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Findings in Cats With Aelurostrongylus abstrusus in Comparison to Cats With Feline Bronchial Disease. Front Vet Sci 2019; 6:337. [PMID: 31632989 PMCID: PMC6783500 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The cat lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus is a cause of lower respiratory tract disease worldwide. Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) are important tools for diagnosing respiratory diseases in cats. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the usefulness of bronchoscopy and BAL in the diagnosis of A. abstrusus. Findings from bronchoscopic examination and BAL of 24 naturally infected cats were evaluated and compared with those of 12 cats with idiopathic Feline Bronchial Diseases (FBDs). Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney or Fisher's exact tests. No significant bronchoscopic differences were detected between cats with aelurostrongylosis and FBDs in bronchial mucus, nodular lesions, and airway collapse. On the other hand, airway hyperemia, epithelial irregularities, and bronchial stenosis were observed more frequently in cats affected by FBDs than aelurostrongylosis, while bronchiectasis was found only in cats infected by A. abstrusus. Neutrophilic, eosinophilic, lymphocytic, and mixed inflammation were recorded in both groups. Bacteria or bacterial DNA was identified regardless of the presence or absence of A. abstrusus with no significant differences between groups. Larvae of A. abstrusus were cytologically detected in 5 of the 24 cats (20.8%) with aelurostrongylosis. These results indicate that, although some findings on bronchoscopic examination (i.e., bronchiectasis) can be described more frequently in cats infected by A. abstrusus, bronchial alterations and cytological findings in aelurostrongylosis are not specific unless larvae are observed and overlap with those of other feline airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo E Crisi
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Angela Di Cesare
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesca De Santis
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Morena Di Tommaso
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Simone Morelli
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Stefania Pantaleo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Alessia Luciani
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Boari
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University Teaching Veterinary Hospital, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Johnson LR, Vernau W. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid lymphocytosis in 104 dogs (2006-2016). J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:1315-1321. [PMID: 30912207 PMCID: PMC6524393 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytology and culture are used to characterize respiratory diseases in dogs. Little is known about disorders associated with increased numbers of lymphocytes in BAL fluid. OBJECTIVE To evaluate duration of clinical signs and detection of specific respiratory diagnoses in dogs with BAL lymphocytosis. ANIMALS One-hundred four client-owned dogs evaluated for respiratory signs. METHODS Medical records of dogs that had >300 cells/μL and >20% lymphocytes on a differential cell count of BAL fluid between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2016, were reviewed retrospectively. Cases were evaluated for the duration of clinical signs and respiratory diagnoses, including aspiration injury, infectious or inflammatory respiratory disease, and airway collapse. RESULTS Dogs ranged in age from 0.5 to 16 years (median, 7.9 years) and had a median body weight of 11.4 kg (range, 2.0-42.7 kg). Eosinophilic lung disease was documented in 13 of 104 dogs (Group 1) and airway neutrophilia associated with infectious or inflammatory disease was found in 59 of 104 dogs (Group 2). Lymphocytosis alone in BAL fluid was described in 32 dogs (Group 3). Duration of cough did not differ among groups, but airway collapse was significantly more common in dogs with solitary lymphocytosis than in those with other types of inflammation. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Lymphocytosis in BAL fluid is common in dogs and, in many cases, likely represents a common response to airway injury, independent of the type or duration of insult. It is unknown whether airway collapse leads to lymphocytosis or if the inflammatory process causes airway collapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
| | - William Vernau
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California
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Hooi KS, Defarges AM, Sanchez AL, Nykamp SG, Weese JS, Abrams-Ogg ACG, Bienzle D. Comparison of bronchoscopic and nonbronchoscopic bronchoalveolar lavage in healthy cats. Am J Vet Res 2018; 79:1209-1216. [DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.79.11.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Zhu BY, Johnson LR, Vernau W. Tracheobronchial brush cytology and bronchoalveolar lavage in dogs and cats with chronic cough: 45 cases (2012-2014). J Vet Intern Med 2015; 29:526-32. [PMID: 25818208 PMCID: PMC4895494 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Y Zhu
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, CA
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16
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Lin CH, Wu HD, Lee JJ, Liu CH. Functional phenotype and its correlation with therapeutic response and inflammatory type of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in feline lower airway disease. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 29:88-96. [PMID: 25417806 PMCID: PMC4858113 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Currently, functional assessment to monitor therapeutic response in feline lower airway disease (FLAD) has limited application. Objectives To evaluate if expiratory indices derived from pseudo‐tidal breathing flow‐volume loop (pTBFVL) representing lower airway obstruction would decrease after clinical improvement and to investigate the correlation between functional phenotype and inflammatory cell type in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Animals Nineteen client‐owned cats with FLAD. Methods Prospective observational study. Functional assessment with pTBFVL indices (eg, peak to mid‐expiratory flow; PEF/EF50) and conventional barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) parameters (eg, enhanced pause) was carried out before receiving treatment. BAL was performed to analyze inflammatory cell types. Signs were assessed by scoring. The cats were treated with glucocorticoids daily and functional testing was repeated. Results Loop indices PEF/EF50 and PEF/EF25 were significantly decreased after treatment (P < .001). Conventional BWBP parameters were not significantly different before and after treatment. Cats with PEF/EF50 > 1.51 before treatment had a significantly higher granulocyte (eosinophil plus neutrophil) percentage in BAL fluid (P = .014). Granulocyte percentage in BAL fluid was strongly correlated with PEF/EF25 (P = .001, rs = 0.74) and moderately correlated with PEF/EF50 (P = .022, rs = 0.57), whereas eosinophil or neutrophil percentage alone had no significant correlation with functional parameters. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Functional parameters including PEF/EF50 and PEF/EF25 can be used for monitoring therapeutic response. The presence of airflow limitation during mid‐ to late expiration is affected by the overall extent of granulocyte infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- C-H Lin
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Woods KS, Defarges AMN, Abrams-Ogg ACG, Viel L, Brisson BA, Bienzle D. Comparison of manual and suction pump aspiration techniques for performing bronchoalveolar lavage in 18 dogs with respiratory tract disease. J Vet Intern Med 2014; 28:1398-404. [PMID: 25056240 PMCID: PMC4895568 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.12403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different aspiration techniques to retrieve bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) affect sample quality in healthy dogs. Studies evaluating these techniques in dogs with respiratory disease are lacking. Objectives To compare sample quality of BALF acquired by manual aspiration (MA) and suction pump aspiration (SPA). Animals Eighteen client‐owned dogs with respiratory disease. Methods Randomized, blinded prospective clinical trial. Manual aspiration was performed with a 35‐mL syringe attached directly to the bronchoscope biopsy channel and SPA was performed with a maximum of 50 mmHg negative pressure applied to the bronchoscope suction valve using the suction trap connection. Both aspiration techniques were performed in each dog on contralateral lung lobes, utilizing 2 mL/kg lavage volumes per site. Samples of BALF were analyzed by percentage of retrieved infusate, total nucleated cell count (TNCC), differential cell count, semiquantitative assessment of slide quality, and diagnosis score. Data were compared by paired Student's t‐test, Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, chi‐squared test, and ANOVA. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to assess agreement. Results The percentage of retrieved BALF (P = .001) was significantly higher for SPA than MA. Substantial agreement was found between cytologic classification of BALF obtained with MA and SPA (kappa = 0.615). There was no significant difference in rate of definitive diagnosis achieved with cytologic assessment between techniques (P = .78). Conclusions and Clinical Importance Suction pump aspiration, compared to MA, improved BALF retrieval, but did not significantly affect the rate of diagnostic success of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in dogs with pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- K S Woods
- Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON; Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Dear
- William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California-Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Schulz BS, Richter P, Weber K, Mueller RS, Wess G, Zenker I, Hartmann K. Detection of feline Mycoplasma species in cats with feline asthma and chronic bronchitis. J Feline Med Surg 2014; 16:943-9. [PMID: 24574148 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x14524969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Little is known about the aetiology of inflammatory lower airway disease in cats. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Mycoplasma species in cats with feline asthma (FA) and chronic bronchitis (CB). The study population consisted of 17 cats with FA/CB, and 14 sick cats without clinical and historical signs of respiratory disease, which were euthanased for various other reasons. Nasal swabs, nasal lavage and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples were taken from patients from both groups. Mycoplasma species culture with modified Hayflick agar and Mycoplasma polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were performed on all samples followed by sequencing of all Mycoplasma species-positive samples for differentiation of subspecies. PCR testing detected significantly more Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples than Mycoplasma culture (P = 0.021). When cats with oropharyngeal contamination were excluded from comparison, the numbers of Mycoplasma species-positive BALF samples in the group with FA/CB (6/17) and the control group (4/9) were not significantly different (P = 0.6924). While all nasal samples of the cats with FA/CB were negative for Mycoplasma organisms, five samples in the control group (P = 0.041) were positive on PCR. Sequencing revealed Mycoplasma felis in all PCR-positive samples. Mycoplasma species can be detected in the lower airways of cats with FA/CB, as well as in the BALF of sick cats without respiratory signs. Further studies are warranted to investigate the possibility that Mycoplasma species represent commensals of the lower respiratory tract of cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianka S Schulz
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Petra Richter
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Karin Weber
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf S Mueller
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gerhard Wess
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabella Zenker
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katrin Hartmann
- Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Lin CH, Lee JJ, Liu CH. Functional assessment of expiratory flow pattern in feline lower airway disease. J Feline Med Surg 2013; 16:616-22. [PMID: 24327372 DOI: 10.1177/1098612x13515461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is a chronic respiratory disease of which there is a lack of information on functional assessment in current veterinary medicine. The purposes of this study were to investigate expiratory pattern and evaluate the diagnostic utility of functional parameters in cats with FLAD. Thirty-three client-owned cats (23 FLAD cats and 10 control cats) were studied. Under quiet tidal breathing, pseudo-tidal breathing flow-volume loop (pTBFVL) was obtained from a barometric whole body plethysmography (BWBP) device. There were significant differences in the shapes of expiratory, but not inspiratory, curves between FLAD and control cats. The incidence of the presence of concave expiratory curve indicating lower airway obstruction was 74% in FLAD cats. To assess the diagnostic utility of pTBFVL indices in cats with FLAD, area under the receiver-operator curve was 0.86 for PEF/EF50 (peak expiratory flow divided by expiratory flow at end expiratory volume plus 50% tidal volume); a cuff-off value of PEF/EF50 >1.51 distinguished normal from FLAD (73.9% sensitivity, 100% specificity). There were no significant differences in traditionally measured BWBP parameters (ie, enhanced pause) between cats with and without FLAD in the present study. In conclusion, underlying change on expiratory flow pattern during natural tidal breathing existed in FLAD cats, and selected pTBFVL indices were useful in discriminating FLAD from normal cats. Tidal breathing pattern depicted by pseudoflow-pseudovolume loops from a BWBP system could be a non-invasive tool for functional assessment in client-owned cats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Hui Lin
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Jih-Jong Lee
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Section of Small Animal Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Hsuan Liu
- Graduate Institute of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Graduate Institute of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taiwan Section of Diagnostic Pathology, National Taiwan University Veterinary Hospital, Taiwan
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Abstract
Practical relevance: Respiratory endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool to evaluate the airways for the presence of mass lesions or foreign material while allowing for sample collection for cytologic and microbiologic assessment. While bronchial disease (eosinophilic or neutrophilic) is the most common lower respiratory disease identified in cats, infectious, anomalous and neoplastic conditions can clinically mimic inflammatory bronchial disease. Diagnostic imaging is unable to define the etiology for clinical signs of cough, tachypnea or respiratory difficulty, necessitating visual evaluation and collection of airway samples. Endoscopy allows intervention that can be life-saving and also confirmation of disease, which is important given that life-long medication is likely to be required for management of inflammatory airway disease. Patient group: Cats with either airway or pulmonary disease benefit from laryngoscopy, tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy to determine an etiologic diagnosis. In the best situation, animals that require these procedures present early in the course of disease before clinical decompensation precludes anesthetic intervention. However, in some instances, these tests must be performed in unstable cats, which heightens the risk of the procedure. Cats that do not respond to empiric medical therapy can also benefit from bronchoscopic evaluation. Clinical challenges: Due to the small size of feline airways and the tendency for cats to develop laryngospasm, passage of endoscopic equipment can be difficult. Bronchoconstriction can lead to hemoglobin desaturation with oxygen and respiratory compromise. Evidence base: This article reviews published studies and case reports pertaining to the diagnostic approach to feline respiratory disease, focusing specifically on endoscopic examination of the lower airways in cats. It also discusses appropriate case selection, equipment, endoscopic techniques and visual findings based primarily on the authors’ experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan D Dear
- William R Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Lynelle R Johnson
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616, USA
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