Determinación de cuadros respiratorios más frecuentes en caninos y felinos atendidos en una clínica veterinaria del sur de Guayaquil.

Abstract

Respiratory diseases constitute a frequent cause of clinical consultation in canines and felines, requiring diagnostic methods that allow timely and accurate identification. The present study aimed to determine the most frequent respiratory conditions in canines and felines treated at veterinary clinics in the city of Guayaquil, as well as to evaluate the usefulness of thoracic ultrasonography as a complementary diagnostic method and its relationship with possible risk factors. The research was conducted between October 2025 and January 2026, using a quantitative, observational, and cross-sectional approach. A total of 100 patients with respiratory conditions were evaluated, of which 62 were canines and 38 were felines. Diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, pulmonary auscultation, and confirmation by thoracic ultrasonography. The results showed that the most frequent respiratory pathologies were pleural effusion 37 % and pneumonia 32 %. In total, 126 diagnoses were recorded, of which 82.5 % were identified by ultrasonography and 17.5 % by auscultation, highlighting the higher diagnostic yield of ultrasonography for deep respiratory pathologies. A significant association was observed between species and the presence of pneumonia, as well as between indoor environment and this pathology. It is concluded that thoracic ultrasonography improves the diagnostic accuracy of respiratory conditions and constitutes a fundamental and complementary tool to clinical evaluation in veterinary practice.