Investigation of clinical, ultrasonographic and bronchoscopic findings in dogs with pneumonia

Objective: This study was conducted to comprehensively analyse clinical examination findings, haematological findings, radiographic evaluations, lung ultrasonography and bronchoscopic observations in dogs diagnosed with pneumonia. Materials and Methods: The study material consisted of 50 dogs with respiratory symptoms brought to the Animal Hospital of Dicle University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and diagnosed with pneumonia, and a control group of 10 healthy dogs. All dogs underwent clinical examination, followed by haematological analyses, thoracic radiographs, thoracic ultrasonography (USG) and bronchoscopic examinations. The findings obtained were compared between the patient and healthy control groups. Results: Clinical examination findings revealed that symptoms such as lethargy, coughing, nasal discharge, lacrimation, fever, and dyspnoea are common clinical findings in dogs with pneumonia. Radiographic examinations revealed alveolar or bronchoalveolar infiltrates and interstitial pattern abnormalities; however, it was observed that radiography was limited in the evaluation of lesions close to the pleural surface and due to the shadowing of the ribs on the lungs. Thoracic ultrasound has demonstrated high diagnostic value, particularly for subpleural consolidations, B-line artefacts, and hepatisation patterns. Bronchoscopic observations revealed pneumonia- specific pathological changes, including mucosal oedema, hyperaemia, mucopurulent secretions, and narrowing of the bronchial lumen. Conclusion: The findings obtained indicate that a single method is insufficient for the diagnosis of systemic and complex diseases such as pneumonia, and that the evaluation of imaging methods in conjunction with clinical examination contributes significantly to diagnosis. This approach, which combines clinical findings supported by laboratory data, radiography for deep tissue evaluation, thoracic ultrasound for the identification of superficial lesions, and the detailed diagnostic contribution of bronchoscopy based on direct observation, increases the accuracy of diagnosis and facilitates follow-up processes. In this context, it is recommended that rapid, safe, and reproducible methods such as thoracic ultrasonography be integrated into clinical protocols and that standard algorithms be developed for the management of respiratory system diseases such as pneumonia. Keywords: Dog, pneumonia, bronchoscopy, ultrasonography, radiography