The University Veterinary Hospital has long been studying respiratory diseases in dogs. The current leader of the research group is Minna Rajamäki, Docent of Small Animal Internal Medicine, who wrote her own doctoral dissertation on canine eosinophilic pneumonia.
The group's research aim is to advance the diagnosis and treatment of canine respiratory diseases and to reduce the health problems caused by them. " Easy to breathe" is our motto and the internationally recognized group has several simultaneous research projects underway on various diseases in the respiratory tract.
A large part of the participants in the studies are dogs that come to the veterinary hospital for treatment, but we have collaborated a lot with breed organizations. Breeds may have diseases that are typical for them, such as connective tissue disease of the lungs in the West Highland White Terrier or recurrent pneumonia in the Irish Wolfhound. Breed enthusiasts have been actively involved in helping to include the same dogs in the studies and we have published many scientific articles about the diseases.
When examining lung diseases, the animal is first given a thorough general clinical examination. This can then be used to assess what further tests are necessary. A blood sample white blood cell count, and a chest X-ray are common further tests. Additional special tests that can be used include arterial blood oxygen levels, bronchoscopy and lavage, and computed tomography.