Respiratory Flashcards
What is the signalment in veterinary medicine?
Age, sex/neuter status, breed
Signalment helps identify predispositions to certain conditions.
What breeds are predisposed to tracheal collapse?
Toy/small breed dogs
What are the common signs of respiratory distress in dogs?
Respiratory rate >50 breaths per min, anxious behavior, open mouth breathing, orthopneic position, cough, wheezes, pale/cyanotic mucous membranes
What does ‘stertor’ refer to?
Snoring-like congestion of upper respiratory tract
What is ‘stridor’?
Inspiratory sound over larynx
What are wheezes?
Airway sounds occurring secondary to narrowing of bronchi
What are possible causes of epistaxis in dogs?
- Local processes (e.g., aspergillosis, nasal adenocarcinoma, trauma, foreign body)
- Systemic processes (e.g., thrombocytopenia, systemic coagulopathy, hypertension)
What is the first step in the diagnostic plan for epistaxis?
Check platelets and look for petechiae
What are common signs of aspergillosis in dogs?
Epistaxis, sneezing, pain, possible depigmentation of nares
What is the treatment for nasal adenocarcinoma in dogs?
Radiation therapy is the treatment of choice
What is lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis?
A condition in dogs and cats characterized by chronic rhinitis, often due to unknown or multifactorial causes
What is the typical signalment for lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis?
Young or mid-age dogs, any cats
What is the main goal of vaccination for feline respiratory diseases?
To minimize clinical signs and shedding
What are hallmark signs of Feline Calicivirus?
Upper respiratory disease, oral ulceration, conjunctivitis, lameness
What is a common cause of recurrent nasal discharge in cats?
Viral infections (e.g., Feline Herpesvirus-1, Calicivirus)
What diagnostic tests can be used for chronic upper respiratory disease in cats?
- Testing for Cryptococcus
- Good dental exam
- Imaging (Nasal CT/rhinoscopy)
- Biopsies for histopathology
- Culture for bacteria
What is the recommended treatment for lymphoplasmacytic rhinitis?
- Avoid allergens
- Glucocorticoids
- Antihistamines (not routinely helpful)
What can trigger flare-ups of Feline Herpesvirus-1?
Stress
What is the incubation period for Feline Herpesvirus-1?
2-6 days
True or False: Feline Calicivirus is a single-stranded RNA virus.
True
Fill in the blank: The fungal organism commonly seen in dogs is ______.
Aspergillus fumigatus
What is the diagnostic approach for mild upper respiratory disease in cats?
Discuss differentials, vaccination status, and exposure to other cats; diagnostic testing is optional
What are the suggested empirical antibiotic choices for secondary bacterial infections in cats?
- Liquid doxycycline
- Amoxicillin
What is the role of supportive care in treating upper respiratory disease in cats?
- Keep nose clean
- Humidification
- Nutritional support
What are common symptoms of feline rhinitis?
Fever, anorexia, lethargy, discharge
Symptoms may vary based on underlying causes
What is a recommended diagnostic strategy for severe or chronic cases of upper respiratory disease in cats?
Consider:
* Testing for Cryptococcus
* Good dental exam
* Imaging: Nasal CT/rhinoscopy
* Biopsies for histopathology
* Culture for bacteria
* Test for Mycoplasma
Comprehensive testing helps rule out other conditions
What were the findings after testing a cat for upper respiratory disease?
Cryptococcus: negative, Dental exam: unremarkable, Nasal CT: fluid-filled area with turbinate lysis, Rhinoscopy: proliferative mucosa, lots of fluid, no mass
These findings guide further treatment options
What was the treatment protocol for the cat with chronic active rhinitis?
Marbofloxacin, humidification, up-to-date vaccines, minimize stress at home
Treatment aimed to address both infection and environmental factors
What are common bacterial infections seen in cats?
- Bordetella bronchiseptica
- Mycoplasma spp.
Understanding these infections is crucial for diagnosis and treatment
What type of bacteria is Bordetella bronchiseptica?
Aerobic Gram-negative bacteria
It can act as a primary or secondary pathogen
What are the risk factors for Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats?
- Rescue cats
- Multi-cat households
- Exposure to dogs with kennel cough
- Concurrent respiratory infections
These factors increase susceptibility to infection
What clinical signs can cats present with Bordetella bronchiseptica infection?
- Upper Respiratory Infection: sneezing, discharge
- Kennel cough: coughing
- Bronchopneumonia: dyspnea
Symptoms can overlap with other respiratory diseases
What is the treatment for Bordetella bronchiseptica infection in cats?
Oral liquid doxycycline 5mg/kg PO BID
Caution: Pill form of doxycycline can cause esophageal stricture in cats
What defines Mycoplasma spp.?
Prokaryotic organisms lacking a cell wall
Not truly classified as bacteria due to their structural differences
How is Mycoplasma transmitted?
- Direct contact
- Aerosol droplets
- Aspiration from own flora to lower respiratory tract
Understanding transmission is key for prevention and control
What diagnostic methods are used for Mycoplasma infections?
- Nasal biopsy
- Nasopharyngeal swabs
- Airway wash
- Mycoplasma PCR
- Culture
Specific testing is required to identify Mycoplasma infections
What antibiotics are effective against Mycoplasma?
- Doxycycline
- Azithromycin
- Fluoroquinolones
Antibiotics must not target the cell wall due to Mycoplasma’s unique structure
What is Cryptococcus neoformans and its commonality in feline infections?
Dimorphic fungus, much more common in cat noses than aspergillosis or any other fungal disease
High prevalence in cats necessitates awareness and testing
What is the pathogenesis of Cryptococcosis?
Spores are inhaled, classically from pigeon droppings, most stay locally in nose, can spread to skin, eyes, CNS
Understanding pathogenesis aids in diagnosis and treatment
What are common clinical signs of nasal Cryptococcosis?
- Bump or mass on nose
- Ulceration
- Palpable bony destruction
- Asymmetry
- Pain
- Decreased nasal airflow
These signs help differentiate from other diseases
What diagnostic tests are used for Cryptococcosis?
- Cytology of a mass, ulcer, or discharge
- Latex Agglutination for Capsular Antigen
- Biopsy
- Nasal CT Scan
Multiple tests may be necessary for accurate diagnosis
What is the recommended treatment for Cryptococcosis?
Fluconazole 10mg/kg PO BID for 1 month past resolution of signs
Monitor for side effects like GI upset and hepatotoxicity
