Philippine E-Journals

ABNORMALITIES IN LATERAL THORACIC RADIOGRAPHS OF DOMESTIC DOGS WITH COUGHING

Arville Mar Gregorio A. Pajas | Relson B. Lozano | Rey B. Oronan | Marianne Leila S. Flores | Karlo Romano B. Gicana

 

Abstract:

Lateral thoracic radiographs of dogs presented with coughing were assessed to determine abnormalities in selected thoracic structures. Thirty radiographic images were used to describe tracheal diameter and thoracic inlet ratio (TD:TI), pulmonary patterns present, cardiac silhouette abnormalities and vertebral heart size (VHS). Data collected were classified and grouped based on the age of the animal (growing, adult, senior) and the cephalic index. The TD:TI ratio was normal in all radiographs regardless of cephalic index. Majority of pulmonary patterns observed in dogs with cough were mixed patterns consisting of alveolar and bronchial forms.  Loss of cranial waist and generalized cardiac enlargement were commonly seen in adult and senior dogs. Also, above normal VHS was observed in these animals, suggesting cardiac enlargement. The various radiographic abnormalities found in coughing dogs suggest that a more thorough clinical examination of patients must be done to rule out primary cardiac disease and secondary respiratory problems.