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- Author or Editor: Emmanuelle van Erck x
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Abstract
Objective—To compare sensitivity of the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) with that of the conventional reference technique (CRT; ie, esophageal balloon method) for pulmonary function testing in horses.
Animals—10 horses (4 healthy; 6 with recurrent airway obstruction [heaves] in remission).
Procedure—Healthy horses (group-A horses) and heaves-affected horses (group-B horses) were housed in a controlled environment. At each step of a methacholine bronchoprovocation test, threshold concentration (TC2SD; results in a 2-fold increase in SD of a value) and sensitivity index (SI) were determined for respiratory tract system resistance (Rrs) and respiratory tract system reactance (Xrs) at 5 to 20 Hz by use of IOS and for total pulmonary resistance (RL) and dynamic lung compliance (Cdyn), by use of CRT.
Results—Bronchoconstriction resulted in an increase in Rrs at 5 Hz (R5Hz) and a decrease in Xrs at all frequencies. Most sensitive parameters were Xrs at 5 Hz (X5Hz), R5Hz, and R5Hz:R10Hz ratio; RL and the provocation concentration of methacholine resulting in a 35% decrease in dynamic compliance (PC35Cdyn) were significantly less sensitive than these IOS parameters. The TC2SD for Xrs at 5 and 10 Hz was significantly lower in group-B horses, compared with group-A horses. The lowest TC2SD was obtained for X5Hz in group-B horses and R5Hz in group-A horses.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In contrast to CRT parameters, IOS parameters were significantly more sensitive for testing pulmonary function. The IOS provides a practical and noninvasive pulmonary function test that may be useful in assessing subclinical changes in horses. (Am J Vet Res 2003;64:1414–1420)
Abstract
Objective
To assess sensitivity of scintigraphic alveolar clearance rate as an indicator of alveolar epithelium damage in horses.
Animals
5 healthy horses (group A) and 5 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD; group B).
Procedure
Horses underwent clearance rate (k [%/min]) determination. Clearance rate of group-B horses was determined after remission of the disease following 2 months at pasture (remission 1), stabling in a controlled environment (remission 2), and during crisis induced by exposure to moldy hay and straw. Methacholine challenge test was performed at each investigation period to determine nonspecific pulmonary airway hyperresponsiveness. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) also were performed, and cell populations in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were determined on another occasion.
Results
Group-B horses had significantly faster mean clearance rate during crisis (k = 4.30 ± 0.95%/min), compared with that for remission 1 (k = 1.98 ± 0.55%/min), which did not differ from the rate in group-A horses (k = 1.95 ± 0.33%/min). Despite lack of clinical signs of COPD during remission when stabled in a controlled environment, an intermediate value was found (k = 3.20 ± 0.72%/min).
Conclusions
This technique allowed grading of lung damage induced by COPD, whereas use of PFT and determination of BAL fluid cell populations failed to differentiate between remission 1 and remission 2.
Clinical Relevance
Determination of alveolar clearance rate by use of scintigraphy is a sensitive indicator of lung damage. A modified clearance rate was found despite the lack of clinical and functional changes. (Am J Vet Res 1999;60:495-500)
