Clinical, radiographic, and bronchial cytologic features of cats with bronchial disease: 65 cases (1980-1986)

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 194; no. 10; p. 1467
• Main Authors: Moise, N.S, Wiedenkeller, D, Yeager, A.E, Blue, J.T, Scarlett, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 15.05.1989
• Subjects: AGE; ANIMAL DISEASE SYMPTOMS; Animals; BREEDS; BRONCHE; BRONCHI; Bronchial Diseases - diagnostic imaging; Bronchial Diseases - veterinary; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Bronchography - veterinary; BRONQUIOS; Cat Diseases - diagnostic imaging; CATS; CHAT; CITOLOGIA; CLASIFICACION; CLASSIFICATION; CYTOLOGIE; CYTOLOGY; EDAD; ENFERMEDADES RESPIRATORIAS; Female; GATO; Hematologic Tests - veterinary; Lung - diagnostic imaging; Lung - pathology; MALADIE RESPIRATOIRE; Male; PATHOLOGIE; PATHOLOGY; PATOLOGIA; RACE; RADIOGRAFIA; RADIOGRAPHIE; RADIOGRAPHY; RAZAS; RESPIRATORY DISEASES; Retrospective Studies; SEX; SEXE; SEXO; siamese cats; SINTOMAS DE ENFERMEDADES (ANIMALES); Staining and Labeling; SYMPTOME DE MALADIE ANIMALE
• ISSN: 0003-1488; 1943-569X

Medical records, radiographs, and bronchial cytologic abnormalities of 65 cats with bronchial disease were reviewed. Bronchial disease was defined as abnormality of the lower airways to the exclusion of disease originating or mainly involving the alveoli, interstitium, vasculature, or pleura. Cats with bronchial disease were more likely to be female and older. Siamese cats were overrepresented and had more chronic disease. In order of frequency, the following clinical signs were reported: coughing, dyspnea, occasional sneezing, wheezing, and vomiting. Radiography revealed prominent bronchial markings, with some cats having collapse of the middle lobe of the right lung (n = 7), overinflation of the lungs (n = 9), or aerophagia (n = 13). Of 65 bronchial washes, 58 were considered exudative, with the predominant cell type being eosinophil in 24%, neutrophil in 33%, macrophage in 22%, and mixed population of cells in 21%. Cultures for bacteria were considered positive in 24% of the cats. Circulating eosinophilia was not helpful in predicting the predominant cell type in bronchial cytologic exudates. Hyperproteinemia without dehydration was present in a third of the cats, indicating an immunologic response. Half the cats had resolution of clinical signs, whereas half the cats required continuing medication with bronchodilators, antimicrobial agents, or corticosteroids.