Resp - Bronchial Dz

Question 1

What is a major presenting problem in animal with bronchial dz?

Answer 1

COUGH

however there are other causes of coughing so we need to know how to approach the problem of coughing

Question 2

Why is the cough reflex important?

Answer 2

it is an important protective mechanism

Permits removal of material from airways
e.g. accumulated mucus
Assists mucociliary clearance
Expels inhaled particulate material
Protects against inhaling particles / irritants

Question 3

What are cough receptors and where are cough receptors?

Answer 3

CR = mechano in larger ariways and chemoreceptors in medium

Present in caudal oropharynx, larynx, trachea, tracheal bifurcation and bronchi

Highest numbers in L and T, dec in number towards the lung

Question 4

list ddx of coughing

Answer 4

1. Compression of mainstem lobar bronchi
   e.g.
   Left atrial enlargement
   Tracheobronchial / Bronchial Lymphnode enlargement
   Neoplasia
2. Stimulation of cough receptors
   e.g.
   Laryngeal disorders
   Tracheal disorders
   Bronchial disorders
3. Excessive mucus / fluid / inflammation
   (usually soft / moist / ineffectual cough, possibly productive)
   e.g.
   Pneumonia
   Bronchopneumonia
   Pulmonary oedema

Question 5

What is an animal with a cough likely to establish?
What can you test to see if this is true?

Answer 5

coughing = mucosal irritation = more cough

therefore inc responsiveness to tracheal pinch test

This test does NOT indicate coughing cause

Question 6

Dog presents with cough. What do we need to assess?
How best?

Answer 6

Vital to assess whether cough is cardiac or respiratory origin

Radiography is the single most useful modality to make initial diagnosis of cough cause

Question 7

Differentiating between if cardiac or rest

Answer 7

HR: C = raised, R = normal or dec
H rhythm: C = Regular sinus rhythm, Sinus tachycardia or Arrhythmias
R = Sinus arrhythmia (unless very stressed)
When cough? C = night when rest + sleep
R = excitement/ when something stems airway e.g. E, D, pulling on lead

Murmur- C = Usually (with MVD, not always with DCM)
R = no, unless concurrent Cardiac dz

Diastolic gallops C = possible, R = no

CATS RARELY COUGH DUE TO CARDIAC dz

Question 8

What about cats and cough

Answer 8

Cats rarely cough due to cardiac dz

Question 9

What do crackles and wheezes suggest

Answer 9

Crackles and wheezes (narrowed bronchi e.g. bconstriction asthma, collapsing airways)

Question 10

How do we listen to URT

Answer 10

ascultate larynx and trachea and listen is can

Question 11

thoracic compresssabillty in cats

Answer 11

Usually is quite springy
if lose this it indicates a mediastinal mass