1-15 Lexington Rd, Underwood, QLD, AU, 4119
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Bronchoscopy
For airway evaluation
We use bronchoscopy to examine the large and lower airways of cats with a flexible endoscopy camera. This procedure is typically recommended for cats with chronic coughing or breathing issues like wheezing. It is often combined with a CT scan of the lungs for a thorough assessment. Bronchoscopy requires general anaesthesia.
Since bronchoscopy is used in cats with unhealthy airways, it carries certain risks. These include pneumothorax (air leakage from the lungs into the chest cavity), worsening breathing difficulties, or anaesthesia-related complications. The clinician carefully monitors each case to minimise these risks.
Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) considerations
In some cases, even though bronchoscopy might be the best way to achieve a definitive diagnosis, we may advise against it if the risks to your cat are too high. Should concerns arise about the procedure’s safety, we will thoroughly discuss the options and risks with you, so you can make the best decision for your cat’s wellbeing.
Bronchoscopy is often paired with a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), where sterile water is flushed into the lungs and then suctioned back up. This fluid is then examined for its cellular content, bacterial growth and other infectious organisms to assist in diagnosis. Most cats stay overnight with us for continued monitoring and to begin treatment after the procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bronchoscopy?
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows veterinarians to examine your cat’s lungs and airways. During bronchoscopy, a thin tube (bronchoscope) is passed through your cat’s mouth and down its windpipe into its lungs.
Bronchoscopy is most commonly performed using a flexible bronchoscope.
Why has my cat been recommended bronchoscopy?
- Common reasons for needing a bronchoscopy are a persistent cough or wheeze, infection or something unusual seen on a chest X-ray or CT scanning.
- Bronchoscopy can also be used to obtain samples of mucus or tissue, to remove foreign bodies or other blockages from the airways or lungs or to enable the development of a treatment plan.
Are there risks?
Unfortunately, although complications from bronchoscopy are uncommon and usually minor, they can occur. Complications may be more likely if the airways are inflamed or damaged by disease. Complications may be related to the procedure itself or the anaesthesia required.
Some possible complications include:
- Airway spasm. A cat’s lower airways are very reactive (which is why they are so prone to getting bad asthma), and they can spasm from the presence of the bronchoscopy or the fluid. To reduce this occurrence, cats are commonly given bronchodilators (airway dilators) medications when their anaesthesia is first started.
- Collapsed lung. In rare cases, an airway may be injured during bronchoscopy. If the lung is punctured, air can collect in the space around the lung, which can cause the lung to collapse. Usually, this problem is identified quickly and easily treated, but it may require a longer stay in the hospital.
It is important to note that although uncommon, these risks are possible. If we are worried that the risk of a complication is too high, we will recommend that the procedure not be performed and discuss alternative methods (such as treatment trials) to help your cat.
What happens during the procedure?
Your cat will be anaesthetised and have a tube placed into its trachea to supply oxygen. A lot of monitoring equipment is used, and typically, two nursing staff members monitor your cat’s anaesthetic and help with the procedure. Your feline veterinarian will then guide the bronchoscope into the different airways.
Depending on the patient, lung washes (bronchoalveolar lavage) may be performed following the airway assessment. The patient is then recovered from their anaesthetic and is very closely monitored for the next two hours after their procedure.
Will my cat be able to go home after the procedure is finished?
That really depends on the severity of your cat’s breathing problems. If the procedure has gone well and your cat is not severely affected, then they may be able to go home a few hours after the procedure. If we are concerned that their breathing is not normal, then we will discuss ongoing hospitalisation options with you.
Patient Stories
Our commitment to feline health is best seen in the stories of the cats we’ve had the privilege of treating. These journeys highlight the dedication, expertise and compassion that drive us.
Each patient faced unique challenges, and it was our honour to offer high-quality care and help them regain strength and happiness. We value the deep bonds with cats and their owners, knowing the difference we make in their lives.
Kitty, a lymphoma survivor
We first met Kitty after she was referred to CSS for the evaluation of a large intestinal mass
Poppi finds her feet again
Following surgery to remove a hairball obstruction, Poppi was referred to us at CSS as she had not bounced back as expected
Rusty and his ongoing chronic rhinitis journey
Lifelong nasal issues, including persistent discharge and breathing noise, have been a bit of a thorn in Rusty’s side.
Lando’s long game with cryptococcus
Lando was referred to CSS because he had a swelling under his jaw that wouldn’t go away.
Popeye coughs up the culprit
Ares is a handsome young Maine Coon who was referred to CSS after presenting at AES with sudden lameness in his back leg.
Service Locations
Cat Specialists accepts referrals for cats across Brisbane and surrounding regions, working closely with local veterinary clinics to provide specialist diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management.
Cat Specialist Services Reviews 
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Tanya Bell
6 months ago
We transported our cat here from another animal hospital, as his condition was too complex for them. Our pet was given the highest quality of care, multiple investigations/procedures being able to be done at the one place a godsend. We were kept up to date frequently throughout his stay. All questions & options explained thoroughly. Being able to have private visits certainly helped us and our cat too. I would highly recommend Cat Specialist Services at Underwood. Amazing staff from reception, vet nurses, vets & specialists. Oh, and yes he is recovering wonderfully at home.
Melinda Cox
A month ago
So very happy we were asked to come here for advice for our NORBIT. He has had 2 x UTI blockages within weeks of each other since turning 6. Surgery seemed to be his only option and he didn’t feel it was very fair on him if we didn’t at least exhaust all other avenues first.
Dr Allison was very thorough in her tests and has let us know she would like to treat the cause of the problem. Great news.
It may lead to removal of crystals in his bladder if his diet doesn’t let him pass them naturally.
At least this surgery won’t be as severe at taking his penis off him – so as his fur parents – we are very happy with this.
We await further tests to see what’s in store for him.
NORBIT will now be a patient of the clinic as we are so far very happy with his treatment thus far.
Lesley Rosekrans
A month ago
Hi has only been a week since losing my beautiful Peaches but can’t thank Dr Cindy, Maree and Jackie enough for the tender care they gave her and they after care they gave me. I sincerely thank them and can’t recommend the Clinic highly enough they are such caring people. Peaches I’m happier times.
Madison McEwan
A month ago
I cannot thank the entire CSS team enough and especially Dr Cindy for the care they provided for our boy with a urinary blockage, and we will be taking both our cats here from now on. The clinic is exceptionally clean and calming compared to all other clinics we’ve been too, and all staff from the reception to the nurses/vets were so supportive during a stressful time. I knew from the first minute that I got to see him after he was transferred that he was in the best place, and that the staff genuinely care about their well-being and positive long term outcomes. We were given regular updates and full transparency, so much information including QR video codes on how to administer medications, along with print outs and emails about how to best help avoid future issues or recurrence. Our boy got to smooch on everyone and was beyond well looked after. Thank you again, you all made an incredibly stressful situation actually manageable and calming.
Astrid El Gamal
6 months ago
Dr Wan-Ju has been treating my baby since her first seizure in November 2025 and she has been fantastic.
Everybody at the clinic is so friendly and caring and I know my baby is in good hands.
Thank you team!
Deeba M
3 months ago
Dr Alison Jukes from CSS Underwood is an AMAZING feline physician. She is kind, professional, thorough and our cat is blessed to have her on his side. She even was able to save us money and invasiveness by being skilled to the level of doing ultrasound on two separate occasions without our cat needing to go under full sedation. Our other cat was recently seen by Dr Jukes as well, and she made sure our cat’s heart was ok. I also want to thank the lovely Jacqueline and Mairead from customer care. They are very kind each time I see them and call up. Sending thanks from our family, including Smokey and Floozy!
Judith Dionysius
A month ago
My whole experience with CSS was positive – from the first email I received giving lots of information regarding the process of radioactive iodine treatment to the expected costs, to checking my cat in for the treatment, boarding for 2 weeks after the treatment and picking her up to come home. They didn’t push for any tests that were not necessary.
Janelle Wieden
5 months ago
We never knew this service existed but we are very grateful we were referred to them. Our vet Cindy was really great, she made us feel at ease during a very stressful time. We got the sense straight away the Leo was in good hands. This service made us feel better knowing that they specialise is cats only. Would highly recommend their services
Georgia Carter
5 months ago
My Lani finished her I-131 treatment today and I am beyond impressed with the way she was looked after. I am by definition a neurotic pet owner and sending my fur child away for a week was seriously daunting.
I was given daily updates about how kitty was eating, toileting and behaving. This really put my mind at ease. Vets and vet nurses were so accomodating and allowed Lani to have her favourite foods from home prepared her favourite way.
Her vet was so thorough when explaining her treatment and condition to me.
The ladies at reception were so friendly and understanding.
I honestly cannot recommend this clinic enough and I am so thankful for the positive experience Lani and I have had.
Lauren Woodward
A year ago
My sweet ginger boy Louis was hospitalised at CSS for a Urinary Obstruction. Dr Cindy and all the reception staff were amazing and empathetic. I would often ring up with questions post procedure and Dr Cindy would make time to talk and explain things to me
Contacting Us
Pet Owners
If you would like to talk about treatment for your cat, call us on 1300 228 377 or fill in the form.
In an emergency, please contact your local vet.
Vets and Nurses
To refer a patient or book a telehealth consultation please call us on 1300 228 377, book through the portal or fill in the form. For advice calls, please see the guidelines here.
Monday-Friday: 8 am-6 pmSaturday/Sunday - Closed