Endo or Trans-Tracheal Washing

Endotracheal wash or transtracheal wash is a procedure to evaluate lungs for infection (pneumonia), inflammation, or cancer. In smaller patients (cats and small dogs) an endotracheal tube is inserted from the mouth into the trachea. In larger dogs a needle catheter is passed directly into the trachea. Sterile saline is inserted into the lungs and a sample is then retrieved for analysis (cytology and culture).