Use of thoracic ultrasound to investigate respiratory disease

Abstract

Ultrasound examination can be used to identify both pleural and parenchymal lesions of the adult or foal thorax. While perhaps most useful for the identification, quantification and characterisation of pleural fluid, abnormalities in the pulmonary parenchyma can be visualised as long as the lesion is peripheral enough to result in a lack of aeration of the normal visceral pleural surface. Ultrasound examination is indicated in the investigation of suspected respiratory disease in foals and horses. In animals with suspected intrathoracic disease, ultrasound can be used to identify pleural effusion, pneumothorax, rib fractures, pulmonary parenchymal disease, diaphragmatic hernias and other miscellaneous conditions.