Use of a plastic-coated catheter for transtracheal wash in 37 dairy calves affected by respiratory disease complex

Davide Pravettoni; Giulia Sala; Eleonora Coppoletta; Salvatore Ferraro; Chiara Masotti; Angelo Belloli; Antonio Boccardo

Davide Pravettoni https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3338-6053
Giulia Sala Centro Clinico-Veterinario e Zootecnico-Sperimentale, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8847-5531
Eleonora Coppoletta https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2738-2996
Salvatore Ferraro
Chiara Masotti
Angelo Belloli Department of Veterinary Medicine
Antonio Boccardo Centro Clinico-Veterinario e Zootecnico-Sperimentale, University of Milan, Via dell'Università 6, Lodi 26900, Italy https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0051-6990

Keywords: Bovine respiratory disease, Calves, Diagnostic techniques, Transtracheal wash

Abstract

This brief communication describes a transtracheal wash (TTW) technique used in calves affected by respiratory disease. A venous catheter with a plastic-coated sheath (Cavafix® Certo) is used, which means that the device that penetrates the tracheal lumen never comes into direct contact with both human operator and external environment. We performed 37 TTWs. The procedure was always well tolerated and enabled us to isolate the pathogenic microorganisms in 81% of cases. In seven calves treated with antimicrobials, microbiological assays were associated with the complete sterility of the washing liquid. Transtracheal wash with Cavafix® Certo is a simple and effective technique that helps to maintain sterility during the procedure.