2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

Based upon the hypothesis that syringe aspiration would improve BALF retrieval, we performed BAL in the left and right lungs of 8 sedated summer pasture associated RAO-affected horses using a flexible endoscope. Saline (300 cc) was instilled via a polyurethane tube inserted through the biopsy port using a 60 cc syringe and aspirated using gentle manual suction (SS) with a 60 cc syringe or with mechanical suction (MS) using a pressure regulated suction pump. Pressures of 15-75 mm H 2 O retrieved BALF without airway collapse. Bilateral BAL was performed twice in each horse with or without BuscopanÃ’ (0.3 mg/kg IV) in a crossover fashion with a 21 day washout period. The effects of suction type and BuscopanÃ’ administration on volume yield, cellularlity and cell viability were determined.