Introduction
Respiratory issues in pets can be challenging to diagnose without a direct view of the airways. Bronchoscopy and tracheoscopy are two advanced endoscopic procedures that allow veterinarians to examine the trachea and lungs in detail. While both involve a camera-guided scope inserted into the airways, they serve different diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
Understanding the differences between bronchoscopy and tracheoscopy helps pet owners and veterinarians choose the most appropriate procedure for diagnosing respiratory conditions.
A Brief History of Airway Endoscopy in Veterinary Medicine
🔬 Early Airway Examinations (Pre-1900s):
Before endoscopy, vets relied on external examinations, X-rays, and post-mortem analysis to study respiratory diseases. Direct visualization of the airways was impossible without surgery.
📈 Introduction of Tracheoscopy & Bronchoscopy (Mid-20th Century):
With advancements in human medicine, flexible endoscopes became available for veterinary use. The first rigid tracheoscopies were performed in the 1960s, allowing limited views of the upper airway. By the 1980s, flexible bronchoscopes became available, making it easier to explore the entire respiratory tract.
🚀 Modern Veterinary Airway Endoscopy (2000s–Present):
Today, high-definition video bronchoscopes and tracheoscopes allow for detailed examinations, biopsy collection, and even interventional treatments. These tools are now standard in advanced veterinary hospitals, helping diagnose and treat a range of respiratory conditions.
What is a Tracheoscopy?
Purpose:
🔍 A tracheoscopy focuses on examining the trachea (windpipe), which connects the throat (larynx) to the lungs. It helps diagnose upper airway obstructions, tracheal collapse, infections, and tumours.
Procedure:
1️⃣ General anaesthesia is administered to ensure the pet remains still.
2️⃣ A small camera (tracheoscope) is inserted through the mouth into the trachea.
3️⃣ The veterinarian examines the tracheal walls, mucus membranes, and potential obstructions.
4️⃣ If needed, biopsies or mucus samples are collected for laboratory testing.
Common Uses:
✔️ Diagnosing tracheal collapse – Common in small breed dogs (e.g., Yorkies, Pomeranians).
✔️ Identifying infections or inflammation – Bacterial or fungal infections affecting the trachea.
✔️ Detecting foreign bodies – Objects stuck in the windpipe, like grass seeds.
✔️ Assessing tracheal tumours or strictures – Narrowing or growths in the trachea.
Limitations:
❌ Cannot examine the lower airways or lungs.
❌ May require additional imaging (X-rays, CT scans) for a full diagnosis.
What is a Bronchoscopy?
Purpose:
🔍 A bronchoscopy allows for a detailed examination of the trachea, bronchi (airways inside the lungs), and smaller airways, making it more comprehensive than a tracheoscopy. It is useful for diagnosing chronic coughing, lung infections, airway obstructions, and respiratory diseases.
Procedure:
1️⃣ The pet is placed under general anaesthesia.
2️⃣ A thin, flexible bronchoscope is inserted into the trachea and deeper into the bronchi.
3️⃣ The veterinarian examines the entire respiratory tract, from the trachea to the bronchi and smaller lung passages.
4️⃣ Mucus samples, biopsies, or foreign objects can be removed if needed.
Common Uses:
✔️ Diagnosing chronic coughing – Persistent coughs due to infections, allergies, or lung disease.
✔️ Identifying lung infections – Bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections inside the lungs.
✔️ Evaluating chronic bronchitis or asthma – Inflammatory airway diseases in dogs and cats.
✔️ Detecting lung tumours or airway narrowing – Masses blocking airflow.
✔️ Removing foreign bodies – Retrieval of inhaled objects.
Limitations:
❌ More invasive than tracheoscopy – Requires deeper airway access.
❌ Not always available in general practices – Requires specialised equipment.
| Feature | Tracheoscopy 🫁 | Bronchoscopy 🌬️ |
| Examines | Trachea Only | Trachea + bronchi + lungs |
| Common Uses | Tracheal collapse, strictures, infections | Chronic coughing, lung infections, asthma, foreign bodies |
| Depth of Examination | Upper airway only | Full respiratory tract |
| Procedure Complexity | Simple | More detailed |
| Biopsy Collection | Sometimes | Yes |
| Foreign Body Removal | Possible but limited | More effective |
| Anaesthesia Needed? | Yes | Yes |
Which Procedure is Best for My Pet?
The choice between tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy depends on your pet’s symptoms and suspected condition:
✔️ If your pet has a honking cough, breathing issues, or suspected tracheal collapse → Tracheoscopy is the best option.
✔️ If your pet has chronic coughing, lung infections, or possible airway disease → Bronchoscopy is recommended.
✔️ If your pet has inhaled a foreign object → Bronchoscopy is more effective for removal.
What to Expect After the Procedure
🏡 Same-Day Discharge: Most pets go home within hours after the procedure.
🐾 Mild Coughing is Normal: Some pets may have a slight cough due to the scope irritation.
💊 Post-Procedure Medications: Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or cough suppressants may be prescribed.
🩺 Follow-up appointments: If a biopsy was taken, results are usually available in a few days.
Final Thoughts
Tracheoscopy and bronchoscopy are powerful tools for diagnosing respiratory diseases in pets. Whether your pet needs a simple airway check or a full lung examination, these procedures provide minimally invasive, highly detailed insights into respiratory health.
If your pet has been experiencing persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, or chronic infections, talk to your veterinarian about whether tracheoscopy or bronchoscopy is the right step forward.