Bronchoscopy in Woodland Hills, CA | VCA Veterinary Specialists of the Valley

Due to structural damage to our facility as a result of recent severe weather, all VCA Veterinary Specialists of the Valley services are CLOSED until further notice. We are saddened to say that it may be months before we are able to reopen.

Questions regarding recent visits, medications, medical record requests or other non-urgent needs may be left via voicemail at (818) 883-8387 or emailed to [email protected]. We will return messages as soon as possible, Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm. It may take us 24 to 48 hours to return messages.

This closure is necessary for the safety of our staff and future patients. We will post future updates as we have them.

Local 24-hour emergency and specialty facilities:

VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-2951

VCA Animal Specialty Group
Los Angeles, CA 90039
(818) 244-7977

VCA Animal Specialty & Emergency Center
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 473-1561

ACCESS Specialty Animal Hospital
Woodland Hills, CA 91364
(818) 887-2262

TrueCare for Pets
Studio City, CA 91604
(818) 760-3882

We understand this situation may be very stressful for our current patient families. We sincerely thank you for your understanding and continued support.

Bronchoscopy

Bronchoscopy is the endoscopic evaluation of the primary airways in the lungs and tracheoscopy is the endoscopic study of the trachea. In most cases a small, short flexible scope is used to perform the study. Samples for culture and analysis can be obtained through the bronchoscope using either a fluid lavage technique (the flushing and retrieval of sterile fluid) or a sterile brush. Foreign matter can be identified and often removed. Samples of airway growths can be obtained with biopsy instruments. In larger dogs, the scope can be passed down the throat without disruption of anesthesia or oxygen. Bronchoscopy requires little patient preparation outside of withholding food the morning of the scheduled procedure. Most patients are discharged the same day that the procedure is performed.

The major symptoms and reasons to perform a bronchoscopy/tracheoscopy are:

Persistent coughing
Study and removal of foreign matter in the trachea and lungs
To obtain biopsies from the trachea or major airways
To aid in the diagnosis of a collapsed trachea or lung
To obtain samples for testing and sensitivity when pneumonia is suspected
To determine the location of a tear in the trachea