Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How lung ultrasound and X-rays compare in dogs with aspiration
By Fernandes Rodrigues, Nina et al.·Published in Journal of veterinary internal medicine·2022·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Comparison of lung ultrasound, chest radiographs, C-reactive protein, and clinical findings in dogs treated for aspiration pneumonia.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 17 dogs with aspiration pneumonia (a lung infection caused by inhaling food or liquid) was treated with antibiotics and monitored over a month. The dogs showed significant lung issues on both lung ultrasound and chest X-rays, but the ultrasound provided more accurate reflections of their clinical improvement. By the end of the study, all dogs had normalized C-reactive protein levels (a marker of inflammation), indicating recovery, although some lung abnormalities remained visible on X-rays. Most dogs showed improvement in ultrasound findings, with only one dog still showing signs of lung issues after a month.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND: Comparison of clinical findings, chest radiographs (CXR), lung ultrasound (LUS) findings, and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations at admission and serial follow-up in dogs with aspiration pneumonia (AP) is lacking. HYPOTHESIS: Lung ultrasound lesions in dogs with AP are similar to those described in humans with community-acquired pneumonia (comAP); the severity of CXR and LUS lesions are similar; normalization of CRP concentration precedes resolution of imaging abnormalities and more closely reflects the clinical improvement of dogs. ANIMALS: Seventeen dogs with AP. METHODS: Prospective observational study. Clinical examination, CXR, LUS, and CRP measurements performed at admission (n = 17), 2 weeks (n = 13), and 1 month after diagnosis (n = 6). All dogs received antimicrobial therapy. Lung ultrasound and CXR canine aspiration scoring systems used to compare abnormalities. RESULTS: B-lines and shred signs with or without bronchograms were identified on LUS in 14 of 17 and 16 of 17, at admission. Chest radiographs and LUS scores differed significantly using both canine AP scoring systems at each time point (18 regions per dog, P < .001). Clinical and CRP normalization occurred in all dogs during follow up. Shred signs disappeared on LUS in all but 1 of 6 dogs at 1 month follow-up, while B-lines and CXR abnormalities persisted in 4 of 6 and all dogs, respectively. CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Lung ultrasound findings resemble those of humans with comAP and differ from CXR findings. Shred signs and high CRP concentrations better reflect clinical findings during serial evaluation of dogs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35247005/