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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Expired CO2 Measurement in Intubated or Spontaneously Breathing Patients from the Emergency Department
Published on: January 29, 2011
Approach to the respiratory patient
1Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialists, 3695 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033, USA. cmiller@wrah.com
Diagnosing respiratory disease in pets requires careful history taking and physical exams. This review covers identifying and diagnosing canine and feline respiratory conditions using these methods and diagnostic tests.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Evaluating pets with respiratory disease presents challenges, including lengthy histories and owner difficulty describing symptoms.
- Noninvasive diagnostics are helpful, but invasive tests may require anesthesia, posing risks to respiratory patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the function of the respiratory system in dogs and cats.
- To outline methods for identifying and diagnosing respiratory disease in companion animals.
Main Methods:
- Implementing a thorough patient history.
- Conducting a comprehensive physical examination.
- Utilizing appropriate diagnostic testing.
Main Results:
- A detailed history and physical exam are crucial for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
- Diagnostic testing aids in identifying specific respiratory abnormalities.
Conclusions:
- Effective diagnosis of canine and feline respiratory disease relies on a systematic approach combining history, physical examination, and diagnostics.
- Understanding respiratory system function is key to accurate diagnosis and management.
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