Non-neoplastic Surgical Diseases of the Lung and Pleura (original) (raw)

1987, Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice

Non-neoplastic surgical diseases of the lungs and pleura are associated with a wide spectrum of etiopathogenic unrelated conditions. Thorough clinical, laboratory, and radiographic examinations are necessary to localize and determine the extent of thoracic disease. Radiographic findings coupled with pertinent clinical and laboratory data will determine medical and/or surgical management. In general, most bronchial, pleural, mediastinal, and pulmonary parenchymal diseases amenable to surgical management have a focal (lobar) distribution. It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of a presurgical assessment in establishing a prognosis and determining the course of therapy. BRONCHIAL DISEASE Bronchial Foreign Body Inorganic foreign bodies (such as bone, coins, marbles, and stones) produce mechanical bronchial obstruction. The obstruction may be complete or partial, depending on the shape and size of the foreign body. Many of these foreign bodies are coughed up while still in the trachea and rarely advance to areas beyond the carina. Organic foreign bodies (such as hair, grass, plant awns, and nuts) create an irritating mechanical occlusion. The shape and texture of these foreign bodies facilitate deep penetration of airways, occasionally impaction, and local inflammation. 1 Clinical Signs. Although often undetected by the owner or clinician, coughing is the animal's immediate response to inhalation of a foreign body. When infection develops, a persistent dry cough and, later, a moist cough ensue. Gagging, vomiting, hemoptysis, or collapse may follow a coughing episode. Paroxysmal cough may also be observed. Initiation of steroid or antibiotic therapy produces only a temporary remission of signs, which increase in severity with each subsequent relapse. Differential considera