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Understanding the normal respiratory system is the foundation for recognising and diagnosing respiratory disease in dogs and cats. From the moment air enters the nasal cavity to the point where oxygen is exchanged within the alveoli, the respiratory tract performs a series of highly specialised functions that support life. Each structure, from the upper airways to the deepest regions of the lungs, plays an important role in protecting the body, maintaining airway patency, and ensuring efficient gas exchange.
Understanding the normal respiratory system is the foundation for recognising and diagnosing respiratory disease in dogs and cats. From the moment air enters the nasal cavity to the point where oxygen is exchanged within the alveoli, the respiratory tract performs a series of highly specialised functions that support life. Each structure, from the upper airways to the deepest regions of the lungs, plays an important role in protecting the body, maintaining airway patency, and ensuring efficient gas exchange.
In small animal patients, the respiratory system is divided into the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea, and the lower respiratory tract, which branches progressively into bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Dogs and cats share a similar lung anatomy, with six lung lobes arranged as four on the right and two on the left. Normal respiratory function relies on adequate ventilation, effective clearance of inhaled debris through the mucociliary escalator, protective reflexes such as coughing, and maintenance of negative pleural pressure to keep the lungs inflated.
In small animal patients, the respiratory system is divided into the upper respiratory tract, which includes the nasal cavity, pharynx, larynx, and trachea, and the lower respiratory tract, which branches progressively into bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. Dogs and cats share a similar lung anatomy, with six lung lobes arranged as four on the right and two on the left. Normal respiratory function relies on adequate ventilation, effective clearance of inhaled debris through the mucociliary escalator, protective reflexes such as coughing, and maintenance of negative pleural pressure to keep the lungs inflated.
This article reviews the key anatomy and physiology of the canine and feline respiratory system, providing a practical foundation for understanding respiratory health, interpreting diagnostic findings, and recognising common disease processes.
This article reviews the key anatomy and physiology of the canine and feline respiratory system, providing a practical foundation for understanding respiratory health, interpreting diagnostic findings, and recognising common disease processes.
Correctly interpreting thoracic radiographs is a fundamental skill in veterinary medicine, allowing clinicians to narrow differential diagnoses and identify the underlying cause of respiratory disease. While thoracic imaging can initially appear complex, most pulmonary abnormalities can be classified into a small number of characteristic radiographic patterns. Recognising these patterns provides a structured approach to radiograph interpretation and helps guide further diagnostics and treatment decisions.
Correctly interpreting thoracic radiographs is a fundamental skill in veterinary medicine, allowing clinicians to narrow differential diagnoses and identify the underlying cause of respiratory disease. While thoracic imaging can initially appear complex, most pulmonary abnormalities can be classified into a small number of characteristic radiographic patterns. Recognising these patterns provides a structured approach to radiograph interpretation and helps guide further diagnostics and treatment decisions.
The five major thoracic radiographic patterns are alveolar, interstitial, bronchial, vascular, and pleural. Each pattern has distinct radiographic features that reflect changes occurring within the lungs, airways, blood vessels, or pleural space. For example, an alveolar pattern may indicate pneumonia or pulmonary oedema, while a bronchial pattern is commonly associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Understanding the appearance of these patterns and their associated disease processes is essential for developing accurate differential diagnoses.
The five major thoracic radiographic patterns are alveolar, interstitial, bronchial, vascular, and pleural. Each pattern has distinct radiographic features that reflect changes occurring within the lungs, airways, blood vessels, or pleural space. For example, an alveolar pattern may indicate pneumonia or pulmonary oedema, while a bronchial pattern is commonly associated with conditions such as asthma or chronic bronchitis. Understanding the appearance of these patterns and their associated disease processes is essential for developing accurate differential diagnoses.
This reference guide reviews the key radiographic patterns encountered in small animal practice, highlighting their characteristic appearances and the most common underlying causes. By mastering pattern recognition, veterinarians and veterinary students can approach thoracic radiographs with greater confidence and diagnostic accuracy.
This reference guide reviews the key radiographic patterns encountered in small animal practice, highlighting their characteristic appearances and the most common underlying causes. By mastering pattern recognition, veterinarians and veterinary students can approach thoracic radiographs with greater confidence and diagnostic accuracy.
Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases
Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases
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