Changes in tracheal dimensions during inspiration and expiration in healthy dogs as detected via computed tomography.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the degree of fluctuation in tracheal dimensions between forced inspiration and passive expiration in healthy dogs of various sizes.


METHODS
10 client-owned dogs with no evidence of respiratory disease or tracheal collapse.


METHODS
Anesthetized dogs underwent a computed tomographic examination during forced inspiration and induced but passive expiration to assess tracheal dimensions. Tracheal height, width, and cross-sectional area were measured at inspiration and expiration, and percentage change in dimension was calculated for each variable.


RESULTS
Measurements were acquired in 10 dogs that ranged in body weight from 3.5 to 47.8 kg. Tracheal cross-sectional area at inspiration and expiration was associated with body weight at all 3 tracheal regions. The percentage change in tracheal height and cross-sectional area was associated with body weight in the cervical but not the thoracic-inlet or thoracic regions. The tracheal cross-sectional area changed by as much as 24.2% (mean, 5.5%), 20.0% (mean, 6.0%), and 18.6% (mean, 6.0%) in the cervical, thoracic-inlet, and thoracic regions, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The change in tracheal cross-sectional area from inspiration to expiration was as great as 24% in healthy dogs, and the area was associated with body weight. Respiratory fluctuations appeared to result in changes in tracheal dimension during respiration similar to those reported for humans.
Leonard
Caroline D
CD
Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
Johnson
Lynelle R
LR
Bonadio
Cecily M
CM
Pollard
Rachel E
RE
D000818:Animals; D001837:Body Weights and Measures; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000502:physiology*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000662:veterinary*; D014132:Trachea / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*