Evaluation of biopsy specimens obtained during thoracoscopy from lungs of clinically normal dogs

To determine whether lung biopsy specimens obtained during thoracoscopy, using a commercially available ligature, can provide an adequate amount of tissue for histologic evaluation and to characterize changes in the lungs and thoracic cavity that result from the procedure.

6 mixed-breed dogs.

All dogs underwent 2 anesthetic episodes. The first anesthetic episode was a sham procedure. During the second anesthetic episode, each dog underwent a thoracoscopic procedure to obtain a lung biopsy specimen, using a commercially available ligature. Biopsy specimens were assessed subjectively by means of histologic evaluation. Samples for arterial blood gas analysis were obtained, and thoracic radiography was performed after surgery. Dogs were evaluated daily for 14 days after thoracoscopy and then were euthanatized. Tissues were evaluated grossly and histologically.

Excellent intraoperative visibility and biopsy specimens adequate for histologic evaluation were obtained from all dogs. Significant differences were not found between arterial blood gas values of sham- and thoracoscopy-treated dogs for samples obtained 0.25, 2, and 24 hours after extubation. Examination of thoracic radiographs obtained 2 and 24 hours after thoracoscopy revealed minimal localized pathologic changes. All dogs were clinically normal 24 hours after thoracoscopy, and major postoperative complications were not detected. Gross and histologic findings of specimens obtained during necropsy revealed changes localized to biopsy and trocar sites.

Thoracoscopic placement of ligatures allowed procurement of lung lobe biopsy specimens from clinically normal dogs without complications.

This procedure may provide a safe and minimally invasive means of obtaining lung biopsy specimens from clinically affected dogs.