Cytologic characterization of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid collected through an endotracheal tube in cats

Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed through an endotracheal tube in 34 specific-pathogen-free cats to determine expected values for bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cytologic analysis, using this method of collection. Saline solution for lavage was instilled in 3 separate aliquots at a volume of 5 ml/kg of body weight each. Analysis of sequential aliquots was performed to investigate the differences in cell counts among the 3 fractions. The effect of combining aliquots, including or omitting the first fraction, was evaluated to determine whether all aliquots could be combined for analysis without substantially affecting results. The total number of nucleated cells retrieved from each cat ranged from 0.9 to 31.1 x 10(6). Most of these cells were macrophages (78 +/- 15%, mean +/- SD) and eosinophils (16 +/- 14%). The first aliquot had the greatest number of epithelial cells, and the lowest total nucleated cell count and relative and absolute eosinophil counts. Differences among aliquots also were identified for relative and absolute macrophage counts, relative and absolute neutrophil counts, and absolute lymphocyte count. Statistically significant differences were found for many of the cell counts when values from the combination of the second and third aliquots were compared with values from the combination of all 3 aliquots. Magnitude of the differences was small, and these differences were not believed to be of practical consequence.

Confirmation of a pulmonary component of multicentric lymphosarcoma with bronchoalveolar lavage in two dogs

Histologic examination of lung tissue has been the only definitive diagnostic procedure used to confirm pulmonary involvement with lymphosarcoma (LSA) in dogs. Lung involvement with LSA was diagnosed by cytologic examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 2 dogs with multicentric LSA. Both dogs had cough or dyspnea, in addition to peripheral lymphadenopathy or visceral organomegaly. Both dogs had nonspecific, abnormal thoracic radiographic findings, including diffuse pulmonary interstitial pattern, hydrothorax, and mediastinal and retrosternal lymphadenopathy. In these 2 dogs, postmortem lung histologic examination, performed immediately after bronchoalveolar lavage, confirmed the cytologic diagnosis of pulmonary infiltration with LSA.

Cytologic analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 47 dogs with multicentric malignant lymphoma

Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in 47 dogs with multicentric malignant lymphoma (ML). Cytologic results were evaluated, and ability to detect pulmonary involvement with ML, using BAL, was compared with ability to detect pulmonary involvement, using thoracic radiography and tracheal wash. Lung lobes were considered to be involved with ML on the basis of BAL fluid findings if morphologically abnormal lymphocytes were present in the fluid. Total nucleated cell count, relative lymphocyte count, and absolute lymphocyte count were greater (P < 0.001) in BAL fluid from dogs with multicentric ML than in BAL fluid from histologically normal dogs. Pulmonary involvement with ML was detected by BAL fluid cytologic examination in 89 of 135 lung lobes lavaged (66%). Lung lobes involved with ML were from 31 of the 47 dogs with multicentric ML (66%). Radiographic abnormalities supportive of pulmonary parenchymal involvement with ML were detected in 16 of the 47 dogs (34%). Of these 16 dogs, 15 (94%) had pulmonary involvement with ML on the basis of BAL fluid cytologic findings. Tracheal wash fluid contained abnormal lymphocytes in 4 of 41 dogs (10%). In all 4 dogs, BAL fluid also contained abnormal lymphocytes. Cytologic evaluation of BAL fluid was more sensitive in detecting pulmonary involvement with ML, compared with radiographic evaluation of the lungs or tracheal wash.

Identification of Histoplasma capsulatum organisms in the pleural and peritoneal effusions of a dog

Histoplasma capsulatum organisms were identified by cytologic evaluation in the thoracic and abdominal effusions of a 5-year-old sexually intact male Cocker Spaniel that was referred because of anorexia and lethargy. Treatment with amphotericin B and ketoconazole was instituted. The dog developed respiratory arrest, a complication of the disseminated disease, and died. Necropsy findings included pleural effusion, hepatomegaly, and enlarged tracheobronchial, hilar, mediastinal, and mesenteric lymph nodes. Granulomas containing periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive yeast-like organisms identified as H capsulatum were seen in the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. The lymphatic vessels were dilated, and fibrosis of the portal and periportal regions of the liver was noticed. Identification of Histoplasma organisms by cytologic examination of pleural and abdominal effusions is a rare laboratory finding and can provide a minimally invasive and inexpensive definitive diagnosis of histoplasmosis.

Evaluation of rhinoscopy and rhinoscopy-assisted mucosal biopsy in diagnosis of nasal disease in dogs: 119 cases (1985-1989)

The case records of 149 dogs examined from 1985 to 1989 with clinical signs of nasal disease were reviewed. Gross rhinoscopy was performed in 119 dogs, and rhinoscopy-assisted pinch biopsy was performed in 109. Rhinoscopy was performed by use of a 2.7-mm rigid fiberoptic endoscope. Mucosal biopsy specimens were obtained with rhinoscopic guidance by use of a 2 x 3-mm biopsy forcep. Gross, cytologic, and histologic findings are summarized. Ninety-four of 119 cases could be evaluated on the basis of diagnostic and follow-up criteria established by the authors. The diagnostic success rate of gross rhinoscopy with rhinoscopy-assisted biopsy was 83% (78 of 94 evaluated cases). Protracted hemorrhage was a complication in 2 of 109 cases in which rhinoscopy-assisted biopsy was performed. It was concluded that rhinoscopy with rhinoscopy-assisted biopsy contributes important diagnostic information in dogs with nasal disease without the relative invasiveness, expense, and risk of surgery.

Urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein concentrations in normal and urolithiasis-affected male cats determined by an ELISA

A precise and reproducible enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which measures urinary cat Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein (cTHP) was developed in order to investigate the possible role of cTHP in the pathogenesis of feline urolithiasis. Reproducible quantification required that the cTHP be disaggregated with 2M urea and 0.05% Tween 20. It was necessary to standardize rigidly the handling of the samples prior to analysis, since the apparent cTHP concentration varied depending on the preanalysis protocols. Using the sample handling protocol of freezing urine at -70 degrees C before dialysis, urinary cTHP was quantified in male cats with no history of urolithiasis ("normal" cats) and in male cats with a history of urolith formation ("urolithiasis" cats). The mean cTHP concentration in adult, male "normal" cats of 49.2 +/- 35.5 micrograms/ml (N = 23) was significantly lower than the mean cTHP concentration of 95.4 +/- 34.1 micrograms/ml (N = 9) in "urolithiasis" cats (p < 0.01, Students' T-test). These findings indicate a correlation between urolithiasis and high urine cTHP concentrations in male cats which warrants further investigation.

Acute thallium toxicosis in a dog

A Doberman Pinscher was evaluated for acute onset of gastroenteritis, characterized by anorexia, hematemesis, and hematochezia. The dog had ingested mole bait containing thallium 2 days prior to admission. Thallium toxicosis was confirmed by detection of thallium in the urine, using colorimetric analysis. The dog responded well to administration of antibiotics, fluids administered IV, warm-water enemas, and oral administration of activated charcoal slurries.

Cytologic evaluation of the respiratory tract

Evaluation of respiratory tract disease is a challenge for several reasons: no serum biochemical or hematologic tests that localize injury to the respiratory system are available, imaging techniques do not usually lead to etiologic diagnoses, and excisional biopsies are often very difficult to obtain from respiratory lesions. For these reasons, specific diagnosis of respiratory tract disease often resides in cytologic evaluation. This article reviews the various cytologic collection techniques that yield high-quality specimens from the upper and lower respiratory tract. Cytologic features of the normal respiratory tract as well as common respiratory disorders are described and illustrated.

Bronchoalveolar lavage and tracheal wash to determine lung involvement in a cat with cryptococcosis

A one-year-old 3-kg female domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed as having cryptococcosis. Although the cat had no clinical signs referable to the pulmonary system and results of thoracic radiography were normal, organisms were recovered by use of tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage. In cases of fungal infections, the latter 2 methods can be more reliable than radiography and evaluation of clinical signs for determining pulmonary involvement.

Bronchoalveolar lavage in the evaluation of pulmonary disease in the dog and cat. State of the art

Bronchoalveolar lavage is a diagnostic procedure used to obtain specimens representative of disease processes involving the deep lung. Saline is instilled into an airway in sufficient volumes to bathe the alveoli dependent on that airway. The saline is retrieved by suction along with cellular and acellular material lining the epithelial surfaces of the lung. Cytologic and microbiologic evaluation of the fluid can be used to characterize pulmonary diseases in the dog and cat.

Cytologic analysis of tracheal wash specimens and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in the diagnosis of mycotic infections in dogs

Tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analyses were performed in 9 dogs that had mycotic infections with pulmonary involvement. Characteristic organisms were identified in tracheal wash fluid in 3 of 7 dogs with blastomycosis. Organisms were identified in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in 5 of 7 dogs with blastomycosis and in one dog with histoplasmosis. Organisms were not found in either fluid in one dog with coccidioidomycosis. These procedures should be considered for dogs with suspected mycotic infections that involve the lungs and that cannot be diagnosed by less invasive means.

Short colon in two cats and a dog

Two cats and 1 dog were referred for evaluation of signs of large-intestinal dysfunction. In each instance, contrast radiography revealed an abnormally short, straight colon, with the cecum located in the left hemi-abdomen. Short colon did not appear to contribute specifically to the active disease processes found. The anomaly may develop owing to errors in the processes of elongation and rotation of the embryo's midgut. The clinical relevance of short colon is unknown, but the disorder may contribute to a history of chronic elimination of soft feces.

Collection of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in cats, using an endotracheal tube

Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected from 12 anesthetized cats by use of an endotracheal tube and syringe adapter. The safety of the technique was evaluated by monitoring mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, pulse rate, respiratory rate, ECG, and arterial blood gas tensions and by necropsy findings. Group A consisted of 3 cats that were administered (by lavage) 4 aliquots of 20 ml of saline solution during anesthesia for placement of femoral artery catheters. Group B consisted of 4 cats that were administered a smaller total volume of saline solution (3 aliquots of 5 ml/kg of body weight) during a separate anesthetic period, other than the one for placement of catheters. Group C consisted of 5 cats administered 3 aliquots (5 ml/kg) of saline solution during a separate anesthetic period and administered supplemental oxygen for 5 to 10 minutes before and for 20 minutes after the lavage procedure. Group-A cats had a prolonged recovery period that was attributed to the lengthy anesthetic period required for placement of femoral catheters. The effect was eliminated in the cats of the other groups in which the lavage procedure itself accounted for only 5 to 10 minutes of anesthetic time. Evaluation of mucous membrane color, capillary refill time, ECG, pulse, and respiratory rate revealed no persistent abnormalities. Transient increase in pulse and respiratory rate was seen in some cats. Blood gas analysis revealed noticeable decrease in arterial oxygen pressures (Pao2) after the lavage procedure. In group-C cats, oxygen supplementation allowed the maintenance of normal or above normal Pao2.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Serum thyroxine concentrations after radioactive iodine therapy in cats with hyperthyroidism

Thirty-one cats with hyperthyroidism were given one dose of radioactive iodine (131I) IV. Serum thyroxine (T4) concentrations were measured before treatment in all cats, at 12-hour intervals after treatment in 10 cats, and at 48-hour intervals after treatment in 21 cats. Serum T4 concentrations also were measured one month after 131I therapy in 29 cats. Activity of 131I administered was 1.5 to 6.13 mCi, resulting in a dose of 20,000 rads to the thyroid. Serum T4 concentrations before 131I administration were 5.3 to 51.0 micrograms/dl, with a median T4 concentration of 11.0 micrograms/dl. Serum T4 decreased most rapidly during the first 3 to 6 days after treatment. Sixteen cats (55%) had normal serum thyroxine concentrations by day 4 after 131I administration, and 23 cats (74%) were euthyroxinemic by day 8 after treatment. One month after administration of 131I, the 29 cats evaluated were clinically improved, and 24 (83%) of the 29 cats evaluated had normal serum T4 concentrations, 3 cats (10%) remained hyperthyroxinemic, and 2 cats (7%) were hypothyroxinemic. Therefore, administration of 131I was a safe and effective method to quickly decrease serum T4 concentrations in hyperthyroid cats.

Use of tears for diagnosis of feline leukemia virus infection

A comparison was made of the use of serum, tears, and saliva for the detection of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection in cats. Cotton swabs were used to collect saliva, and tear-test strips were used to collect tears. Specimens were analyzed by a commercially available ELISA. Using a 10- to 15-minute specimen incubation period, FeLV was detected in 70% of the saliva specimens and in 73% of the tear specimens from viremic (serum-positive) cats. Feline leukemia virus antigen was not detected in saliva and tear specimens from serum-negative cats. The sensitivity of the tear assay was improved by increasing the incubation time to 24 hours. Tear strips could be air-dried and stored at room temperature for up to 7 days without any appreciable loss of activity. Client-owned and experimentally infected laboratory cats were tested for FeLV, using air-dried tear-test strips and a 24-hour incubation period. Tears were positive (contained FeLV antigen) in 65 of 72 (90%) serum-positive cats and did not contain antigen in 46 of 46 (100%) serum-negative cats. Results of ELISA obtained from serum and tears also were compared with results obtained from indirect fluorescent antibody testing of blood smears. Results of indirect fluorescent antibody and ELISA compared favorably with each other and with the results of tear testing.

Immunoglobulin A myeloma in a cat with pleural effusion and serum hyperviscosity

Immunoglobulin A myeloma, serum hyperviscosity, and septic pleuritis were diagnosed in a cat with pleural and peritoneal effusions. Serum hyperviscosity was determined by use of a WBC pipette, and clinical manifestations included retinopathy and cardiac changes. The presence of Salmonella typhimurium in the pleural fluid may have resulted from increased susceptibility to infection. Postmortem examination revealed plasma cell infiltration of the pleura, mesenteric lymph nodes, and the serosa of the intestine, liver, and spleen. This case represents an unusual form of myeloma in the cat.

Digestion of bentiromide and absorption of xylose in healthy cats and absorption of xylose in cats with infiltrative intestinal disease

The digestion of bentiromide and the absorption of D-xylose was measured in 17 clinically healthy cats. The plasma xylose concentrations of the healthy cats were compared with values from 9 cats with diffuse infiltrative intestinal disease. The cats were administered 16.7 mg of bentiromide/kg and 0.5 g of xylose/kg via a stomach tube. Plasma samples were obtained before administration and 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after administration. The maximum mean plasma p-aminobenzoic acid concentration occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 386 +/- 134 micrograms/dl (mean +/- SD). The maximum mean plasma xylose concentration also occurred at 60 minutes, with a value of 26.0 +/- 9.2 mg/dl. Plasma concentrations of p-aminobenzoic acid and xylose were lower in healthy cats than those reported for healthy dogs. There was no significant difference between xylose concentrations in healthy cats and cats with infiltrative intestinal disease.

Inconsistencies in the absorptive capacities of Schirmer tear test strips

The absorptive capacities of 4 commercially available tear test strips were determined and compared with 5-mm X 40-mm strips of #41 filter paper. Significant differences in the absorption of water over a given time interval were found in 3 of the groups tested. Major inconsistencies were found only within 1 lot of tear test strips from a single manufacturer. Tear test strips from this lot consisted of 2 distinct populations that were distinguishable by transillumination. Strips with widely spaced horizontal lines had the same absorptive capacity as the filter paper, whereas those with fine lines consistently absorbed less water. The clinical importance of this discrepancy was verified by comparing measurements of tear production in 6 normal dogs.