title: Approach to the respiratory patient.
abstract: Several challenges arise when evaluating a dog or cat with respiratory disease. The history can span a long period, and some owners may have a difficult time in recognizing or describing respiratory abnormalities. A good history and thorough physical examination are essential when evaluating the respiratory patient. There are some noninvasive diagnostics that can aid in the diagnosis of respiratory disease; however, other more invasive tests often require anesthesia, which can be a potential hazard with a respiratory patient. This article focuses on reviewing the function of the respiratory system and how best to identify and diagnose cats and dogs with respiratory disease by implementing a thorough history and physical examination as well as appropriate diagnostic testing.
authors: Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialists, 3695 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, USA. cmiller@wrah.com
authors: Carrie J
authors: CJ
authors: Miller
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002415:Cats; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004283:Dog Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004285:Dogs; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000662:veterinary; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000662:veterinary; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*