Endoscopic examination

Allows the veterinarian to directly view the upper respiratory tract, guttural pouches, trachea, and upper airways of the lungs. Reasons for endoscopic examination include upper airway noise, difficulty inhaling, poor exercise performance, and 1- or 2-sided nasal discharge.

X-rays of the skull

Used to investigate facial deformity, abnormalities of the sinuses, guttural pouches, and tissues at the back of the mouth and throat.

X-rays of the neck

Used to investigate possible airway (tracheal) obstruction.

Transtracheal wash

Used to obtain material for evaluation under a microscope and for bacterial and fungal culture when an infectious disease is suspected.

Bronchoalveolar lavage

Used to obtain material from lower (smaller) airways for microscopic examination when noninfectious diseases are the concern.

Nasal swab

Used to obtain samples to test for viral diseases.

X-rays of the chest

Detects abnormalities of the lungs, heart, and diaphragm.

Ultrasound of the chest

Used to identify the volume, location, and character of fluid or air within the chest cavity.

Pleurocentesis

Sampling of fluid from the chest cavity.

Lung biopsy and fine needle aspirate

Used to obtain tissue samples for final diagnosis of lung tumors, lung fibrosis, and other diseases.