Development of a Standardized Nomenclature for Bronchoscopy of the Respiratory System of Harbor Porpoises (Phocoena Phocoena)

Abstract

Respiratory disease is common in captive and wild cetaceans. Bronchoscopy may permit early diagnosis of respiratory disease in dolphins and porpoises. Refinement of cetacean bronchoscopy requires development of a nomenclature system to facilitate description of the anatomic site at which lesions occur. A standard bronchoscopic nomenclature also permits serial evaluations of lesions and enhances communication between veterinarians. In this project, we adapted the bronchoscopic nomenclature devised by Amis and McKiernan for the dog and horse to the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Silastic and air-dried models of the bronchial tree of the harbor porpoise were made to illustrate the anatomy and devise the nomenclature. Bronchial anatomy was consistent among the four porpoise lungs studied. The Amis and McKiernan nomenclature was readily adaptable to the harbor porpoise lung with minor modifications and may be useful for cetacean bronchoscopy.

Bronchial Tree System Analysis of Live Beluga Whale (Delphinapterus leucas) Using Bronchoscopy

“…The entire procedure was performed aseptically, in accordance with the plan for the scope to reach the lower respiratory tract [ 5 ]. The nomenclature for the bronchial tree system of the beluga whale followed that of harbor porpoises, as described previously [ 6 ]. The first, second, and third lobar branches of the LPB and RPB were identified as left bronchus 1 (LB1) and right bronchus 1 (RB1), LB2 and RB2, and LB3 and RB3, respectively [ 6 , 26 ].…”

“…Respiratory infections caused by bacteria and fungi are significant causes of morbidity and mortality in wild and captive cetaceans, including beluga whales ( Delphinapterus leucas ) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. Early detection of respiratory diseases in cetaceans is essential for successful treatment, as several respiratory diseases are life-threatening [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 ]. In humans, examination of the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) obtained using a bronchoscope is beneficial for detecting pathogenic microorganisms that may be present in the lower respiratory tract [ 8 ].…”

“…Anatomical approaches for the respiratory systems of cetaceans, including beluga whales, have been described previously [ 6 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. The bronchial tree system of cetaceans comprises three bronchi: the left principal bronchus (LPB, bronchus principalis dexter ), right principal bronchus (RPB, bronchus principalis sinister ), and tracheal bronchus (TB, bronchus trachealis ) [ 6 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. TB, which bifurcates from the trachea anterior into LPB and RPB, is a specific structure for cetaceans and terrestrial Artiodactyls [ 6 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

“…The bronchial tree system of cetaceans comprises three bronchi: the left principal bronchus (LPB, bronchus principalis dexter ), right principal bronchus (RPB, bronchus principalis sinister ), and tracheal bronchus (TB, bronchus trachealis ) [ 6 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. TB, which bifurcates from the trachea anterior into LPB and RPB, is a specific structure for cetaceans and terrestrial Artiodactyls [ 6 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Previous studies have reported guidelines for performing cetacean bronchoscopy [ 5 , 9 ].…”

“…However, little was reported about the standardized method of performing BALF in beluga whales [ 5 ]. In cetaceans, several studies for upper respiratory tracts have been reported [ 6 , 12 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Limited studies for lower respiratory tracts, such as harbor porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena ) [ 6 ], Ganges River dolphins ( Platanista gangetica ) [ 15 ], and striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba ) [ 16 ], have been reported, but not for beluga whales.…”