Diagnostics

Diagnostic testing enables our team to pinpoint the underlying cause of your pet’s symptoms, diagnosing their condition(s). We want our pet parents to be involved in the decision-making process, and we thoroughly discuss the diagnostic testing we recommend for your pet and their diagnostic test results. Personalizing your pet’s diagnostic plan ensures we avoid unnecessary tests and procedures while leading us to a more personalized and effective treatment plan.

Diagnostic Overview

Tracheal Wash and Bronchoalveolar Lavage

Tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage are diagnostic procedures commonly used in dogs and cats to diagnose respiratory diseases. These procedures involve collecting material from the respiratory tract for further analysis. These procedures provide material that can be analyzed for cytology, bacterial culture, PCR testing, flow cytometry, and special stains. These tests help rule out infectious and cancerous diseases.

Despite the benefits, it is important to note that these procedures have limitations. They do not provide tissue architecture as in a biopsy. The cells must also exfoliate for the procedure to be successful, which may not always occur in diseases like pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoma. Additionally, organisms must be present in large numbers for accurate detection. As such, these procedures are typically performed at specialty or referral centers with trained personnel and specialized equipment to ensure the best possible outcome. By performing tracheal wash and bronchoalveolar lavage, veterinarians can better understand the underlying cause of respiratory problems in dogs and cats, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.