Avaliação Semiológica e Diagnóstico em Pequenos Animais - Aula 6.1

Summary

This video script provides a detailed overview of the clinical examination of the respiratory system, focusing on its functions, including gas exchange, acid-base balance, and thermoregulation. It covers anatomical structures from the nasal passages to the alveoli and highlights breed and age-specific respiratory conditions. Key symptoms such as nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties are explained, along with diagnostic considerations for conditions like epistaxis, ronco, and ortopneia. The importance of recognizing severe respiratory issues, like cyanosis and hemoptysis, is emphasized for urgent care and treatment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The main function of the respiratory system is gas exchange (hematosis), but it also plays a role in acid-base balance and thermoregulation.
• 😀 The respiratory system consists of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. The upper tract includes the nostrils, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx, while the lower tract includes the trachea, bronchial tree, alveolar ducts, and alveoli.
• 😀 Various species, breeds, ages, and genders can influence the diagnosis of respiratory issues in animals, such as respiratory complex in felines (caused by herpesvirus and calicivirus) and bronchitis in cats.
• 😀 Respiratory conditions vary by breed: for instance, large dogs are prone to laryngeal paralysis, while brachycephalic breeds (e.g., pugs) can suffer from palatal extension or stenosis.
• 😀 Younger animals tend to have respiratory issues related to infections, while adult animals may experience laryngeal paralysis, and older animals are more prone to neoplastic and degenerative diseases.
• 😀 Female dogs may be more prone to pulmonary metastasis from mammary tumors, which can lead to secondary lung issues.
• 😀 Key questions during diagnosis include asking about the onset, progression, and severity of the condition, such as whether symptoms worsen, improve, or remain stable.
• 😀 Nasal discharge can indicate issues in the nasal cavity or paranasal sinuses, while epistaxis (nosebleeds) can suggest respiratory tract lesions or systemic hemorrhagic disorders.
• 😀 Sneezing is typically normal but may indicate nasal foreign bodies or viral respiratory infections, especially in cats.
• 😀 Ronchi (noisy breathing) is common in brachycephalic breeds and may result from a soft palate elongation, which impedes airflow, as well as from pharyngeal masses or obesity in certain animals.
• 😀 Serious respiratory distress, such as orthopnea (difficulty breathing while lying down), requires immediate attention. Cyanosis (bluish mucous membranes) can indicate hypoxia, often seen in severe cases of anemia or respiratory failure.

Q & A

What is the main function of the respiratory system?

The primary function of the respiratory system is gas exchange (hematosis), which is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Additionally, it helps maintain acid-base balance and contributes to thermoregulation.

What is the difference between the upper and lower respiratory tracts?

The upper respiratory tract includes the nostrils, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, oropharynx, and larynx. The lower respiratory tract consists of the trachea, bronchi, and microscopically, the alveolar ducts and alveoli.

Which species are commonly affected by respiratory issues related to herpesvirus and calicivirus?

Respiratory issues caused by herpesvirus type 1 and calicivirus are most common in felines, often leading to conditions like feline respiratory complex.

What respiratory condition is often seen in Bichon Frises?

Bichon Frises are predisposed to ciliary dyskinesia, which affects the ciliary movement in the respiratory tract.

What respiratory issue is common in large dog breeds?

Large dog breeds are commonly affected by laryngeal paralysis, which is often idiopathic.

What is the significance of breed in diagnosing respiratory conditions?

Certain breeds are predisposed to specific respiratory conditions. For example, brachycephalic breeds like pugs are more likely to have elongated palates, and German Shepherds are more prone to nasal neoplasia and epistaxis.

How does age impact respiratory health in animals?

Young animals often suffer from conditions like ciliary dyskinesia or respiratory infections, adults are more prone to laryngeal paralysis, and elderly animals are at higher risk for neoplastic and degenerative diseases.

What are some common clinical signs of respiratory issues in animals?

Common clinical signs include nasal discharge, epistaxis (nosebleeds), sneezing, facial deformities, snoring, stridor, coughing, hemoptysis (coughing blood), dyspnea, orthopnea, and cyanosis.

What is the significance of epistaxis in respiratory diagnosis?

Epistaxis (nosebleeds) usually indicates a lesion in the respiratory tract or systemic hemorrhagic disorders like thrombocytopenia, as seen in diseases such as ehrlichiosis.

What is the difference between productive and non-productive coughs in animals?

A productive cough produces mucus or phlegm, while a non-productive cough is dry and does not produce any secretion. The latter is often associated with conditions like tracheobronchitis or other non-infectious causes.