Section: Veterinary Care In-depth
Diagnosis In-depth
Certain diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic bronchitis and exclude other diseases that may cause similar symptoms. Tests may include:
A complete medical history and physical examination
Radiography (chest X-rays). The thoracic radiograph is abnormal in most cases. Typical findings include increased interstitial density.
An examination of the trachea and bronchi (tracheobronchial examination) including cytology and culture. Sputum (mucous secretions from the lungs, bronchi and trachea) may be obtained using different techniques. A tracheal wash, also called a trans-tracheal wash (TTW), is a procedure in which a fluid sample is obtained and analyzed. This test is involves placing a small needle into the trachea of a lightly sedated patient. Bronchoalveolar lavage is another method to obtain fluid samples.
Evaluation of collected sputum specimens. The sputum sample is cultured for bacteria and sensitivity testing is done. Cytology is also recommended to determine the cell time present (active infection, evidence of allergy, parasites, or cancer cells).
Bronchoscopy. This procedure consists of placing a small flexible fiberoptic tube into the airway that allows for direct visualization of the upper and lower airways. This test can establish the diagnosis and rule out other diseases, such as inflammatory disease, lungworms, fungal infections and cancer.
Other laboratory tests may be helpful in assessing your pet's heart and lungs and eliminating the possibility of other diseases. These tests may include:
A complete blood count (CBC) to determine general health and check for secondary conditions. The CBC in dogs with chronic bronchitis is usually normal. Abnormal changes in the CBC can be noted with pneumonia, respiratory parasites, heartworm disease or other secondary diseases.
Biochemistry. Serum blood tests may be recommended to determine your pet's general health and check for secondary conditions.
Heartworm test to determine presence of heartworm antibodies
Fecal test to evaluate for lungworms
Electrocardiogram (ECG) to determine the rhythm and look for abnormalities of the heart
Arterial blood gas tests. These tests may be used as a method for sampling arterial blood to determine oxygen levels. This is a sensitive test for verifying the presence of significant lung disease. Many veterinary hospitals do not have the equipment to run this test, but blood can be analyzed easily at a local human hospital.
Treatment In-depth
Treatment of chronic bronchitis must be individualized based on the severity of the condition, the cause, secondary diseases or conditions and other factors that must be analyzed by your veterinarian. Therapy of idiopathic chronic bronchitis is frustrating because the underlying cause of inflammation is rarely determined or controlled. Rarely is a cure obtained; however, with diligent home care – that includes avoidance of risk factors and weight loss – and medical therapy, significant improvement of clinical signs does occur in many dogs. Patients with advanced changes including bronchiectasis (chronic dilation of the bronchi and bronchioles with secondary infection) or lobar atelectasis generally respond poorly to medical therapy. Complete suppression of the cough is rare.
Therapy of chronic bronchitis is guided by the cytology and culture of the tracheobronchial secretions (sputum), by the extent of radiographic changes and by response to therapy. Chronic, intermittent antibiotic or corticosteroid therapy, combined with the use of bronchodilators, antitussives and supportive care of the respiratory system, form the basis for medical therapy.
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