ABSTRACT
Diseases of the respiratory system are commonly diagnosed in clinical veterinary medicine. Clinical management of patients with respiratory disease is based on a working knowledge of respiratory and cardiovascular physiology, complete and accurate physical examination, appropriate diagnostic tests, intensive monitoring, and supportive therapy. Bypassing the upper airway eliminates the normal means of warming, humidifying, and filtering the air that is taken into the lungs. In canine patients, it is also important to remember that the respiratory tract is a normal means of heat loss contributing to thermoregulation. Various endotracheal tube and tracheostomy tube designs are available in human medicine. These tubes have been adapted for use in veterinary medicine. Recently, companies have designed tracheostomy tubes specifically for veterinary use due to the differences between human and animal anatomy. Aspiration is performed once every several hours until little air is removed on several tries and the patient remains comfortable without evidence of respiratory difficulty.
