This procedure requires sedation but not full anesthesia since it is important to have the animals have the ability to cough. The animals have a fiberoptic tube passed down the trachea or windpipe and into the lungs. Sterile fluid is flushed into the lung causing a cough which helps bring material and cells up from the deepest part of the lungs so we can suction the fluid and material back out. The fluid is then submitted to an outside lab for analysis as well as culture. The procedure is done on both the left and right side of the lungs. Most animals wake up quickly and are able to go home within a few hours.