4.4. Clinical Scoring and Pulmonary Function Testing

Clinical observations were recorded twice daily and included feed intake, rectal temperature, respiratory rate and the presence or absence of clinical signs of diarrhea or respiratory disease. In addition, the appearance of oral mucosa, conjunctivae, skin, hair and dyspnea were assessed daily, and the heart rate was counted. Extremities, umbilicus and mandibular lymph nodes were palpated and inducement of cough was tested. Results were summarized using a 49-point clinical score consisting of subscores for general condition (maximum 8 points), respiratory system (maximum 17 points), cardiovascular system (maximum 13 points) and other organ systems (maximum 11 points) as described [19].

Pulmonary function testing was performed using the impulse oscillometry system (IOS) as described elsewhere [22].