Very Common
Less Common
Related Observations
Your vet might choose this diagnostic test if you were making these observations.
Diagnostic
Tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what is wrong with your horse, in order to reach a diagnosis.
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
YOUR VET MAY PERFORM
Tracheal Wash, Trans-Tracheal Aspirate
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
Transtracheal wash (TTW) is a commonly used diagnostic procedure for the respiratory tract. It is most commonly used to try to isolate bacterial organisms causing pneumonia. It is performed in the standing (often sedated) horse.
The procedure for transtracheal wash involves clipping and sterilizing a square of skin overlying the trachea or windpipe on the front of the neck. Sterile gloves are worn by the vet to maintain sterility. A large needle is passed between the cartilage tracheal rings. A long plastic catheter is threaded a variable distance into the trachea. Sterile saline is injected and then withdrawn back into the syringe.
This fluid contains a sample of the tracheal fluid, Cytology (study of cells) can be performed on the fluid, and can indicate the type and degree of inflammatory response present. Fluid can be submitted to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity, allowing precise targeting of relevant organisms with specific antibiotics.
The procedure for transtracheal wash involves clipping and sterilizing a square of skin overlying the trachea or windpipe on the front of the neck. Sterile gloves are worn by the vet to maintain sterility. A large needle is passed between the cartilage tracheal rings. A long plastic catheter is threaded a variable distance into the trachea. Sterile saline is injected and then withdrawn back into the syringe.
This fluid contains a sample of the tracheal fluid, Cytology (study of cells) can be performed on the fluid, and can indicate the type and degree of inflammatory response present. Fluid can be submitted to the laboratory for culture and sensitivity, allowing precise targeting of relevant organisms with specific antibiotics.
Why A Vet Chooses This Diagnostic
Related Diagnostics
Other diagnostic tests that might be used in combination or with this one or instead of this one.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
This test could rule out or confirm any of the following diagnoses.
Very Common
Less Common
BENEFITS
Because the catheter does not pass through the mouth (carrying bacteria from the mouth into the respiratory tract), TTW allows an uncontaminated sample to be obtained from the tract.This allows for the identification of the significant organisms and choice of appropriate antibiotic.
LIMITATIONS
TTW is not particularly helpful for the diagnosis of deep lung diseases. For that, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is more helpful.