Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Bronchial collapse during forced breathing can be normal in healthy
By Kim, Hyunryung et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2018·College of Veterinary Medicine, South Korea·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Computed tomographic and radiographic bronchial collapse may be a normal characteristic of forced expiration in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 22 healthy Beagle dogs underwent tests to see how their bronchial tubes (the air passages in the lungs) changed during breathing, especially when they forced air out. The results showed that some degree of bronchial collapse is normal during forced expiration, meaning their airways can narrow temporarily without indicating a health problem. This finding suggests that a certain amount of bronchial collapse should not automatically be considered a sign of disease, which could help prevent misdiagnoses in dogs.
People also search for: dog bronchial collapse symptoms · Beagle breathing problems · forced expiration in dogs
Abstract
Tracheobronchomalacia has been diagnosed using radiography or bronchoscopy to confirm bronchial changes in luminal diameter during the respiratory cycle. However, studies in healthy humans suggest that some degree of bronchial collapse may be observed during the normal respiratory cycle. In this analytical study, the luminal diameter of the bronchus to each of the six pulmonary lobes and the mean percentage of expiratory collapse from end inspiratory, end expiratory, and two forced expiratory phases (10 and 15 ml/kg) were determined via computed tomography (CT) and radiography in 22 healthy Beagle dogs. The bronchial collapsibility was significantly greater during the forced expiration than the end expiration (P < 0.001); the same results were observed in dorsal and sagittal CT images and radiographs (P < 0.001). Median collapsibility values associated with 15 ml/kg forced expiratory collapse determined via cross-sectional CT images were measured as 16.6-45.5% and differed according to the pulmonary lobe. Median collapsibilities on radiography with 15 ml/kg forced expiration were 57.8% and 62.1% in the right cranial lobe and right caudal lobe, respectively. In conclusion, bronchial diameter may change during the respiratory cycle, and some degree of reduction in bronchial diameter may be an incidental finding in healthy dogs. More rigorous criteria are needed with regards to bronchial collapsibility during normal respiration for the diagnosis of bronchomalacia in order to avoid false-positive diagnoses.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29786925/