Swab sites

Question 1

What 2 factors does where you take a swab for upper respiratory tract infections depend on?

Answer 1

• The suspected pathogen

- The species you are taking the swab from

Question 2

Why might you want to swab the upper respiratory tract of an animal

Answer 2

• In order to identify what pathogen is causing clinical signs
• To monitor response to treatment

Question 3

What areas of the upper respiratory tract would you swab in the cat and dog

Answer 3

• Back of the oropharynx near the tonsils (deep pharyngeal swab)
• Conjunctival sac (conjunctival swab)
• As far into the nostril as possible (deep nasal swab)

Question 4

What areas of the upper respiratory tract would you swab in a horse

Answer 4

• At least 15cm into the nasopharynx via the ventral meatus (nasopharyngeal swab)

Question 5

What areas of the upper respiratory tract would you swab in the chicken

Answer 5

• Opening of the trachea and mouth avoiding the oesophagus, bringing the swab up through the choanal cleft (tracheal / oropharyngeal swab)

Question 6

How do you take a nasal swab in a dog

Answer 6

1. Prepare the swab; open packet and remove cap from sample tube
2. Gently take the animals muzzle and lift the head up
3. Gently insert he swab into the nares, keeping to the medial side of the mares
4. Do not insert the swab more than a few millimetres
5. Immediately insert the swab into the sample tube and label it

Question 7

How do you take a tonsillar swab in a dog

Answer 7

1. Prepare the swab; open packet and remove the cap from the sample tube
2. Ask an assistant to open the mouth
3. Vigorously swab the tonsils, taking care to avoid the tongue and heavy saliva contamination
4. Immediately insert the swab into the sample tube and label it

Question 8

How do you take an oropharyngeal swab in a cat

Answer 8

1. Prepare the swab; open packet and remove cap from sample tube
2. Ask an assistant to open the mouth
3. Vigorously swab the back of the oropharynx near the tonsils, taking care to avoid the tongue and heavy saliva contamination
4. Immediately insert the swab into the sample tube and label it

Question 9

What restraint is required to obtain a nasopharyngeal swab in a horse

Answer 9

• Head collar and stock or stable

- A twitch may be necessary

Question 10

How do you know how far to pass the swab when performing a nasopharyngeal swab in a horse

Answer 10

• At the level of the caudal soft palate the swab should initiate a swallow response