Feline bronchial cytology: histologic/cytologic correlation in 22 cats

Trichrome-stained bronchial washings were obtained from 22 cats at necropsy and compared to lung tissue sections obtained at the same time. In three of the 22 cats, antemortem bronchial washings also were obtained. Sixteen of the cats were clinically ill and six were clinically normal and served as controls. On the basis of comparison of histologic sections and bronchial washings, patterns were detected in the washings indicative of general processes such as alveolar edema, chronic passive congestion, mucous metaplasia, and inflammation. Two specific etiologic agents, Histoplasma capsulatum and Toxoplasma gondii, each were seen in one washing.