title: Cytologic findings of tracheobronchial aspirates from 66 thoroughbred racehorses.
abstract: Tracheobronchial aspirates obtained from 66 healthy Thoroughbred racehorses in training at the same track were examined. Twenty-seven percent of the horses had greater than 20% neutrophils in the aspirate. Eosinophils, mast cells, giant cells, and Curschmann's spirals of mucus were observed in 94, 83, 65, and 42% of the horses, respectively. Hemosiderophages were observed in 86% of the horses, half of which had previous confirmation of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage. Although fungal elements were seen in 70% of the horses, bacteria were detected in only 3% of the horses. The authors conclude that inflammatory airway disease is widespread in the racing Thoroughbred population.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348.
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Sweeney
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Humber
authors.forename: K A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Roby
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000662:veterinary; D001980:Bronchi / Q000166:cytology*; D002452:Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D004804:Eosinophils / Q000166:cytology; D004847:Epithelial Cells; D005260:Female; D015726:Giant Cells / Q000166:cytology; D006736:Horses / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000166:cytology; D008297:Male; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology*; D014132:Trachea / Q000166:cytology*