Making the most of samples from the equine respiratory tract - a clinician's perspective on clinical pathology

Abstract

Sampling of fluids from the equine respiratory tract has become routine in equine practice and is an important component in the diagnosis of respiratory disease. Whilst the procedures are relatively straightforward, interpretation of the results may not be! A great deal remains to be determined about the relationships between the results of laboratory analyses and respiratory health and disease. The following article aims to give some tips on maximising the value of respiratory tract samples, focusing on sampling from the lower airways.