A Standardized Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) Technique Using Large Volume of Infused Fluid in Young Foals under Intravenous General Anesthesia

The purpose of this paper is to describe a standardized bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) technique used in 11 clinically healthy foals from one week of age to2 months of age. All foals successfully underwent this procedure five times at different ages. This technique was performed under intravenous general anesthesia with no apparent complications. In our experience, performing transendoscopic BAL in foals under general anesthesia yields a consistent fluid sample with regard to quantity and quality, and allows a thorough observation of the upper and lower airways. This BAL technique can be used for collecting samples for clinical research, and potentially for diagnosing pulmonary diseases in young foals.