Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed and infected when a foreign substance is inhaled into the lungs. The condition can affect both cats and dogs and requires emergency medical treatment.
Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia
There are multiple potential causes of aspiration pneumonia in pets. These include eating too fast, chronic vomiting, physical abnormalities such as cleft palate, respiratory diseases, neurologic problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. The condition can also be triggered by general anesthesia, inhalation of toxins, and improper administration of liquid medications. Aspiration pneumonia is more common in dogs than cats, and brachycephalic (short-nosed) dogs are particularly prone to the condition.
Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia
It is important to visit your veterinarian immediately if your pet displays any of the following signs or symptoms of aspiration pneumonia.
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing
- Nasal discharge
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting or regurgitation
- Exercise intolerance
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Collapse
Diagnosis of Aspiration Pneumonia
Your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s medical history and ask you a series of questions about the onset and severity of their symptoms. They will then perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of aspiration pneumonia. During the examination, your veterinarian will listen to your pet’s chest with a stethoscope and palpate their abdomen to check for abnormalities.
Routine diagnostic tests include a complete blood count, biochemistry profile, and urinalysis. The purpose of these tests is to assess your pet’s overall health and check for signs of infection or other causes of their symptoms. In addition, your veterinarian may recommend other tests including abdominal or chest X-rays and bacterial cultures of lung fluid.
Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia
Treatment of aspiration pneumonia will depend on the underlying cause of the condition. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to stabilize and monitor your pet. Fluid and oxygen therapy may also be required to treat severe dehydration and respiratory problems.
Potential treatments for aspiration pneumonia include antibiotic therapy, medications to prevent vomiting, surgical removal of foreign bodies, and bronchodilator therapy to increase airflow to the lungs. It is also important to restrict exercise while your pet recovers from their illness.
Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate treatment methods based on your pet’s overall health and the cause of their condition. Please follow all treatment advice closely and administer prescribed medications as instructed.
Prevention of Aspiration Pneumonia
Aspiration pneumonia in pets can be difficult to prevent since there are multiple potential causes of the condition. If your pet eats too fast, consider using a puzzle or slow feeder to discourage gulping. It is also important not to feed your pet prior to anesthesia. Finally, please schedule regular checkups with your veterinarian so your pet’s health can be continuously monitored
