Early diagnosis of inflammatory respiratory disorders in Thoroughbred racehorses through bronchoalveolar lavage

Abstract

Alterations of the respiratory system are of great importance since they limit sporting performance. This results in great economic losses due to the consequent interruption of training, medical treatment costs or even the early retirement of the affected horse. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) allows sampling of the distal airways and is used for early diagnosis of various lower airway pathologies in equines. Although BAL is a diagnostic tool used worldwide, national reports are scarce. The objective of this study was to diagnose inflammatory respiratory disorders in an early manner using the BAL technique in active Thoroughbred horse race at the Maroñas National Racecourse. Twelve equines presenting BAL cytological alterations compatible with lower airway pathologies were selected. The diagnosis of mild/moderate asthma in both symptomatic and asymptomatic equines, exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in subclinical stages and non-specific lung inflammation was found. In summary, it could be proved that the cytological study of BAL is a fundamental complementary tool for the early diagnosis of the lower airways in equines, especially in asymptomatic animals or with mild/moderate symptomatology.