Unguided bronchoalveolar lavage techniques and residual effects in dogs.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the use of unguided bronchoalveolar lavage techniques in dogs without fibreoptic bronchoscopy, using an adapted single vascular catheter and a double-lumen catheter made from two single vascular catheters.


METHODS
Sixty-nine dogs were examined with the single-catheter technique and 110 dogs with the double-catheter technique.


METHODS
A prospective study.


METHODS
Sixty-nine and 220 samples, collected with the single catheter and the double catheter respectively, were examined cytologically. Lungs of 69 dogs were examined grossly and histologically. Radiographic examination was performed on 11 dogs.


RESULTS
The double-catheter technique produced samples with significantly higher cellularity (P < 0.01) and fewer red blood cells (P < 0.01) than the single-catheter technique. Repeat samples collected with a double catheter were not significantly different (P > 0.01) in any value. A reference range for nucleated cell counts of 62 to 1210 x 10(6)/L was calculated from 57 clinically and histologically normal dogs. The major residual effects of the technique were localised pulmonary oedema, and alveolar distension with collapse and congestion of distant parenchyma. Thoracic radiographs revealed increased lung opacity for at least up to 7 h after the procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
The cellularity of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained was adequate and sufficient fluid was retrieved when the single catheter was located in a proper position. However, the double catheter obtained better samples more quickly and easily, with less damage to the respiratory tract.
McCauley
M
M
School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland.
Atwell
R B
RB
Sutton
R H
RH
Lumsden
J S
JS
D000818:Animals; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000502:physiology; D018893:Bronchoalveolar Lavage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D001992:Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / Q000166:cytology*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary; D002452:Cell Count / Q000662:veterinary; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003239:Connective Tissue Cells / Q000502:physiology; D004285:Dogs / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D008168:Lung / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D013997:Time Factors