Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats
Key takeaways
Aspiration pneumonia in cats is a lung infection caused by inhalation of foreign material, such as vomit, liquid, or dust.
- The foreign material in the lungs causes irritation and inflammation, and predisposes the lungs to becoming infected by bacteria
- Symptoms include difficulty breathing, vomiting, reduced appetite fever, and lethargy
- Diagnostics include a physical examination, bloodwork, and diagnostic imaging
- Treatment primarily involves antibiotics to treat or prevent bacterial infections associated with aspiration pneumonia
- Overall, the prognosis for aspiration pneumonia is fair, with more severe cases having a poorer prognosis
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A closer look: Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats
Aspiration pneumonia is rare in cats. Overall, aspiration pneumonia has a fair prognosis, but the prognosis depends on the timeliness of treatment and the severity of pneumonia.
Any pet presenting with symptoms requires emergency medical intervention.
Risk factors
Some inhaled material is more damaging than others; inhaling clean water, for example, is less dangerous than inhaling a harsh chemical cleaner.
Very old, young, small, or immunocompromised breeds are more likely to experience severe symptoms.
Other less common symptoms that may arise from aspiration pneumonia.
Often, symptoms such as fever indicate that a bacterial infection has occurred in the lungs, which increases the severity of the condition.
Possible causes
Aspiration pneumonia is caused by inhaling foreign material. This includes:
- Vomit or regurgitated food
- Medication
- Food
- Foreign objects
- Water
Main symptoms
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnostics include:
- Physical examination
- Bloodwork
- Diagnostic imaging, including X-rays and ultrasound
- Sampling cells and bacteria from the airways
- Bacterial culture
- Analysis of the function of the larynx
Steps to Recovery
Treatment of aspiration pneumonia primarily involves antibiotics, to either prevent bacterial infections from developing or treat existing infection. During treatment, supportive care helps maintain oxygen levels while the cat recovers.
Supportive therapies include:
- Oxygen therapy
- Ventilatory support
- Coupage (striking the chest to clear fluids from the lungs)
- Nebulization
Prognosis for aspiration pneumonia is fair to good overall, with many cases that receive prompt treatment surviving. Cats that have severe aspiration pneumonia from inhaling irritating substances, or that develop a bacterial infection after aspiration, have a poorer prognosis.
In rare cases, cats may develop lung abscesses, requiring additional treatment.
Prevention
Preventing aspiration pneumonia primarily involves managing predisposing conditions, such as megaesophagus, to prevent aspiration events from occurring. Cats are also at risk of developing aspiration pneumonia after veterinary procedures such as anesthesia. Many protocols are in place to help reduce the risk of aspiration during these procedures.
Aspiration pneumonia is not contagious.
Is Aspiration Pneumonia in Cats common?
Aspiration pneumonia is rare in cats.
Typical Treatment
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy
- Ventilatory support
- Coupage
- Nebulization
