Very 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
Bronchoalveolar Lavage, BAL
Cost: $100 to $500
These cost ranges are approximate and may vary from region to region.
Additional charges may also apply.
Summary
A bronchoalveolar lavage is helpful in diagnosing and treating cases of pneumonia and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO).
In this procedure, a special catheter is passed through the nostril, into the trachea and down into a deeper branch (bronchus). Fluid is flushed in and pulled back out into the syringe. Samples are assessed for cytology and culture. The sample may also be obtained through an endoscope.
In this procedure, a special catheter is passed through the nostril, into the trachea and down into a deeper branch (bronchus). Fluid is flushed in and pulled back out into the syringe. Samples are assessed for cytology and culture. The sample may also be obtained through an endoscope.
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
BAL is the best test for assessing the deeper parts of the lung. LIMITATIONS
If a disease process is located in a specific lung lobe, there is a chance that the process could be missed using this technique.