Respiratory Disease Flashcards
What is the aetiology of laryngeal paralysis?
idiopathic (condition that arises spontaneously)
Some due to nerve damage, neoplasia or iatrogenic damage
Can be due to wider nervous system dysfunction (polyneuropathy)
Hypothyroidism association in some cases
What is the pathophysiology of laryngeal paralysis?
damage to recurrent laryngeal nerve that supplies muscles of larynx that move vocal cords.
Can often lead to functional failure of vocal cords
Inspiration becomes difficult as vocal fields remain closed
What are the clinical signs associated with laryngeal paralysis?
obstructed breathing, causes cough
- Partial airway closure
- Exercise intolerant
- Increased respiratory noise (strider)
- Problems swallowing
How is laryngeal paralysis diagnosed?
can be suspected on clinical signs
Findings found on neruro exam
Examination of the larynx should be performed under sedation using a laryngoscope or endoscope to visualise the vocal folds during inspiration
Full neurological exam to establish if polyneuropathy is present
Bloods should be run to rule out metabolic conditions such as hypothyroidism.
What is the aetiology of collapsed trachea?
idiopathic (cause unknown)
Thought to be a combination of genetic, nutritional and/or allergic triggers
What is the pathophysiology of a collapsed trachea?
Incomplete formation or weakening of C-shaped tracheal cartilages lead to inability to maintain patency of trachea
During inspiration, cervical portion of trachea collapses leading to airway obstruction
During expiration, the thoracic portion of the trachea collapsing
What are the clinical signs associated with collapsed trachea?
- Cough during exercise
- ‘goose honk’
- Paroxysmal = fits of distress
How is collapsed trachea diagnosed?
Endoscopy of trachea (bronchoscopy) (this is graded according to severity)
Fluoroscopy, video x-ray for real time diagnosis
Chest radiography, less reliable as sloe means
Signs are suggestive in affected breeds
Aetiology of feline asthma
uncertain but is thought to be similar to human asthma.
environmental factor that acts as a allergic trigger
pathophysiology of feline asthma
irritant or allergy which leads to an inflammatory reaction in the airways.
increase production of mucus in the lungs which causes the feline difficulty to breath.
clinical signs of feline asthma
peristent or bouts of coughing dyspnoea tachypnoea noisy breathing wheezing
diagnosis of feline asthma
blood test - to rule out any other causes
x-rays - to look at the chest for changes in the lungs
bronchoscopy - visualise the small airways to get a specific diagnosis
