Respiratory fluids in the horse athlete: microbiological evaluation
Les liquides respiratoires chez le cheval athlète: évaluation microbiologique.
Résumé
The microbiological analysis of respiratory fluids is a major ancillary exam when clinically and functionally investigating the respiratory system. This review aims to provide the practitioner with enough data in order to objectively interpret both isolation and quantification reported by the laboratory. Concerning virology and bacteriology, the tracheal wash is a sample which is relatively easy to perform and potentially useful. Interpretation of microbiological results by the practitioner and the biologist should further be systematically based on all available clinical and cytological data.