Correlation of clinical and radiographic variables in cats with lower airway disease

Gareis, Hannah; Hörner‐Schmid, Lina; Zablotski, Yury; Palić, Jelena; Hecht, Silke; Schulz, Bianka (2023): Correlation of clinical and radiographic variables in cats with lower airway disease. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine, 37 (6). pp. 2443-2452. ISSN 0891-6640

Abstract

Background
Feline lower airway disease (FLAD) is frequently associated with radiographic abnormalities.

Objectives
To evaluate whether radiographic changes in cats with naturally occurring FLAD improve with treatment and if radiographic changes correlate with clinical signs.

Animals
Twenty-four client-owned cats newly diagnosed with FLAD, based on medical history, typical clinical signs, radiographic findings, and examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, were included in the prospective study.

Methods
At 2 examination time points (days 0 and 60), an owner questionnaire, clinical examination, and thoracic radiography were carried out. Information from the questionnaire and clinical examination were evaluated on the basis of a 12-point clinical score. Radiographs were assessed using a 10-point radiographic score. Individual treatment was given to all cats over the study period, based on severity of the disease and compliance of the cat. Clinical and radiographic scores were compared statistically for both examination time points and evaluated for correlation.

Results
All cats showed radiographic abnormalities at initial presentation. In addition to significant improvement in clinical variables, the total radiographic score improved significantly (P = .01) during the study period, with significant improvement in the severity of bronchial (P = .01) and interstitial lung pattern (P = .04). Improvement of the clinical and radiographic score was not correlated.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance
In addition to clinical signs, repeated radiographic examination can be used as a diagnostic tool to evaluate treatment response in cats with FLAD.

• Dokumententyp: Artikel (LMU)
• Organisationseinheit (Fakultäten): 08 Tiermedizin > Zentrum für Klinische Tiermedizin > Medizinische Kleintierklinik
• DFG-Fachsystematik der Wissenschaftsbereiche: Lebenswissenschaften
• DFG: Gefördert durch die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - 491502892