Radiographic Evaluation of Thoracic Pathologies in Cats at Lagos Small Animal Practice Centers

Thoracic radiography is a fundamental diagnostic tool for identifying pulmonary, pleural, cardiac, and mediastinal diseases in feline patients. This study evaluates the radiographic patterns of thoracic pathologies diagnosed in domestic cats presented at five small animal practice centers in Lagos State, South West Nigeria, over a two-year period from 2022 to 2024. Lateral and dorsoventral thoracic radiographs of 98 feline patients were systematically reviewed using standard radiographic interpretation protocols. Cases were categorized by pathological classification, breed, sex, and age. Pleural effusion was the most prevalent radiographic finding, identified in 34% of cases, followed by pulmonary infiltrates at 28% and cardiomegaly at 19%. Persian and Siamese breeds showed disproportionate representation among cardiac cases. Mature cats above seven years of age were significantly more likely to present with neoplastic and cardiovascular pathologies. Correct diagnosis was facilitated by radiography in 88% of cases where initial physical examination was inconclusive. Limitations including single-view radiographic acquisition and underutilization of contrast techniques were noted. The study reinforces the diagnostic centrality of thoracic radiography in Nigerian feline practice and recommends standardized imaging protocols across small animal clinics. Investment in digital radiographic equipment at urban veterinary centers in Lagos is critical for advancing diagnostic quality and clinical outcomes in companion animal medicine. Keywords: feline radiology, thoracic pathology, pleural effusion, Lagos, small animal practice.