Transcutaneous Pulmonoscopy

[tbowman]

I have a Burmese Python that has been showing signs of mild respiratory problems for some time now. Today I had him in for a Transcutaneous Pulmonoscopy. An endoscopic procedure in which samples of lung tissue are biopsied, and sent out for histopathology. We're also doing a culture and sensitivity testing. Some xrays were also taken. My veterinarian said he did noticed what seemed to be some very small amounts of yellow plaque in the lung but over all things looked pretty good.

Has anybody else had an animal undergo this procedure? If so what was your experience like? I'm anxious to hear what they find, but also nervous that it will be inconclusive once again.

Here's a link to an article about the procedure.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18673030

[Reinz]

Good to hear that you are going all out for your Burm. Hoping for the Best.

[tbowman]

Well, the procedure went well.. I'll be taking him back soon to have the sutures removed.

We took cultures, Samples of lung tissue were biopsied, and I believe they did some radiology as well free of charge.

At the end of the day there were no issues found, I'm told the lung is pretty normal.

I feel quite a bit of relief but it's all pretty confusing. We are not taking any further action unless he becomes symptomatic once again. It seems to come and go with the winter seasons.

[Reinz]

I know that you want and expect answers when you take such measures. But glad to know that he is ok.