Today’s case is an 8-year-old male neutered Bichon Frise with chronic cough. What is the pulmonary pattern?
Findings
The thorax is hypoinflated on all projections. There is a diffuse bronchial pattern throughout the lungs. The bronchi have thickened walls with variable diameter, and do not taper in the periphery of the lungs. On an expiratory radiograph, there is complete collapse of the main stem bronchi and carina. The trachea appears normal in diameter. The cardiovascular structures are normal. No abnormalities are noted in the pleural space or mediastinum. In the portion of the abdomen included, the stomach is filled with food.
Differential Diagnosis
Bronchial pattern and bronchiectasis with dynamic lower airway collapse indicating bronchomalacia. This may have infectious and noninfectious inflammatory components.
Diagnosis
On endoscopic examination, there was severe lower airway collapse and inflammation. Septic inflammation with Pasteurella cultured from bronchial exudate.