Diagnosis
Radiographically, BE is classified as cylindrical or saccular (Cannon et al. 2013). In cylindrical BE there is tapering of the bronchi peripherally, whereas in saccular BE there is not.
There is currently no evidence as to the clinical significance of this finding. In some cases with radiographically ambiguous lesions, computed tomography (CT) may be a more sensitive imaging modality. Bronchoscopy is commonly used as the gold standard for diagnosis of BE (Figure 31.1),
Figure 31.1 Bronchoscopy from a dog with bronchiectasis.
however; it should be noted that there is an aspect of subjectivity in the interpretation of bronchoscopy. Bronchoscopy can show thinning of the bifurcations and dilation of the walls of the bronchi, which are often filled with mucus plugs. Ideally cases with BE should have samples collected for cytology, culture, and antibiogram.
Patients with BE are typically older and often smaller breed dogs. Consequently, there may be a number of comorbid diseases that may complicate the management of BE. Resultantly, the author will usually advise a complete blood count, serum biochemistry, and urinalysis to screen for any concurrent medical conditions that may require management. Fecal analysis is also normally advised, and depending on the geographical location, it may be worthwhile to screen for specific lung parasites.
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