WBP is an acronym for Whole Body Plethysmography. WBP is a way to measure respiratory function in animals (or people) without the use of anesthesia or restraint. The system relies on a specially designed chamber in which the subject is placed. A sensitive pressure transducer is connected to measure pressure changes inside the chamber. Since the chamber is fitted with screen pneumotachs which allow air to pass outside the chamber, the small pressure changes in the chamber are related to flow. And so, the chamber is a plethysmograph. From these small flows signals, utilizing special algorithms Buxco FinePointe software derives ventilatory and bronchio constriction parameters.
Key Features
- Species: Rabbit, ferret, cat, dog, pig, NHP*
- Up to 16 animals can be supported simultaneously
- Variable bias flow pump provides fresh air supply
- Digital Preamplifier / controller with USB interface
- Chambers have integrated pneumotach and reference chamber
- Flow transducer and optional temperature and humidity probe
- Integrated nebulizer controller supports Aerogen nebulizer
*NHP uses chaired resraint
A variety of accessories and supplies are available for all Buxco respiratory products to improve system flexibility and maintain proper system performance. The most commonly requested accessory is the Chamber Maintenance Kit which includes replacement o-ring seals and plethysmograph screens.
Applications & References
Publications citing large animal whole body plethysmography
Katalan S, Falach R, Rosner A, Goldvaser M, Brosh-Nissimov T, Dvir A, Mizrachi A, Goren O, Cohen B, Gal Y, Sapoznikov A, Ehrlich S, Sabo T, Kronman C. “A novel swine model of ricin-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome.” Disease Models & Mechanisms. 2017; 10(2): 173-183.
Lin C, Wu H, Lee J, Liu C. “Functional Phenotype and its Correlation with Therapeutic Response and Inflammatory Type of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid in Feline Lower Airway Disease.” J Vet Inter Med. 2015;29:88-96.
Valente A, Silvestre A, Guasch L, Tort A, Marco I, Lavin S, Cuenca R. “Evaluation of pulmonary function in European land tortoises using whole-body plethysmography.” Veterinary Record. 2012;141:154.
Guasch L, Vadillo A, Grau J, Carreton E, Morchon R, Simon F, Alonso J. “Evaluation of pulmonary function variables by using plethysmography in cats with respiratory disease associated to Dirofilaria immitis.: Veterinary Parasitology. 2012;187:254-258.
Bernaerts F, Talavera J, Leemans J, Hamaide A, Claeys S, Kirschvink N, Clercx C. “Description of original endoscopic findings and respiratory functional assessment using barometric whole-body plethysmography in dogs suffering from brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome.” The Veterinary Journal. 2010;183:95-102.