Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Respiratory signs linked to thoracic CT scan findings in cats
By Lamb, C R & Jones, I D·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2016·Department of Clinical Science and Service·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Associations between respiratory signs and abnormalities reported in thoracic CT scans of cats.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of cats underwent thoracic CT scans to check for lung issues, even though many didn't show any breathing problems. Surprisingly, 77% of the cats had abnormalities like lung collapse or bronchial disease, even without symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing. In particular, cats that were older or heavier were more likely to have certain lung issues. This study highlights that many cats can have hidden lung problems that might not be obvious during a regular check-up, making it harder for vets to diagnose respiratory conditions.
People also search for: cat breathing problems · cat lung disease signs · cat CT scan results · why is my cat coughing · cat respiratory issues diagnosis
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of subclinical abnormalities reported in thoracic (CT) scans of cats and to investigate associations between respiratory signs and CT signs. METHODS: Retrospective review of signalment, indications, respiratory signs and reported CT findings in a series of cats. Associations between patient variables, respiratory signs and CT signs were analysed using multi-variable regression methods. RESULTS: Records of 352 consecutive cats were reviewed. Abnormalities affecting thoracic structures were reported in CT scans of 138/179 (77%) cats that did not have respiratory signs; the most prevalent CT findings were pulmonary collapse (41%), evidence of bronchial disease (24%) and space-occupying lesions (21%). Dyspnoea, cough and tachypnoea were associated with space-occupying lesions. Dyspnoea was also associated with pulmonary consolidation and atelectasis. Increasing body weight was associated with pulmonary atelectasis and increasing age was associated with evidence of bronchial disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Abnormalities were commonly detected in thoracic CT scans of cats that did not show respiratory signs. The most prevalent abnormality - pulmonary atelectasis - is probably a temporary effect of sedation or anaesthesia. A high prevalence of subclinical abnormalities and limited correlations between clinical signs and CT findings will complicate diagnosis.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27467170/