Transtracheal wash
Introduction
- In reptiles, microbiology and cytology specimens may be collected from the lungs in a manner similar to that used for mammals.
- This article describes the transoral/transglottal tracheal wash technique.
Uses
- To collect samples for cytological examination.
- To collect samples for microbiology.
Advantages
- Simple procedure.
- Does not require general anesthesia in some cases therefore avoids risk of anesthesia in animals with respiratory compromise.
- Avoids oropharyngeal sample contamination.
Oxygen may be administered by facemask during procedure in severely compromised animals.
Disadvantages
- Sampling is usually blind. Material can be sampled more accurately with endoscopic guidance and this gives better results than blind sampling.
- More risk of sample contamination from upper respiratory tract, ie trachea, than with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL).
Alternative techniques
- Bronchoalveolar lavage.
- Lung biopsy (significantly greater risk) Biopsy overview.
- Bronchial biopsy - requires endoscopy Endoscopy overview. Used primarily for diagnosis of chronic bronchitis or for sampling masses within airway lumen.
Time required
Preparation
- 10 min.
Procedure
- 10 min.
Decision taking
Criteria for choosing test
- Further investigation of lower respiratory tract cytology Cytology: respiratory tract indicated if:
- Chronic cough or dyspnea (>6 weeks duration).
- Obvious pulmonary disease [Lower respiratory tract disease].
Risk assessment
- If animal is very quiet and anesthesia considered unwise, transtracheal washing may assist in diagnosis.
If anesthesia can be tolerated by the patient BAL provides far superior diagnostic information.
Requirements
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Preparation
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Technique
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Aftercare
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Outcomes
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
- Recent references from PubMed and VetMedResource.
- Lafortune M et al (2005) Respiratory bronchoscopy of subadult American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and tracheal wash evaluation. J Zoo Wildl Med 36 (1), 12-20 PubMed.
- Johnson J H (2004) Husbandry and medicine of aquatic reptiles. Semin Avian Exotic Pet Med 13 (4), 223-228 VetMedResource.
Other sources of information
- Wilson B (2017) Lizards. In: Exotic Animal Medicine for the Veterinary Technician. 3rd edn. Eds: Ballard B & Cheek R. Wiley-Blackwell, USA. pp 95-135.
- Campbell T W (2015) Cytology Sampling Techniques and Evaluation. In: Exotic Animal Hematology and Cytology. 4th edn. Wiley-Blackwell, USA. pp 345-356.
- Murray M J (2006) Pneumonia and Normal Respiratory Function. In: Reptile Medicine and Surgery. 2nd edn. Ed: Mader D R. Saunders-Elsevier, USA. pp 865-877.
- Paré J A, Sigler L, Rosenthal K L & Mader D R (2006) Microbiology: Fungal and Bacterial Diseases of Reptiles. In: Reptile Medicine and Surgery. 2nd edn. Ed: Mader D R. Saunders-Elsevier, USA. pp 217-238.