Aspiration (or Inhalation) Pneumonia in Dogs

CAUSES OF ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

It’s not the actual vomiting that causes aspiration pneumonia. It’s the bringing up of contents from the stomach that are then inhaled. Inhalation of foreign matter, from vomiting or from the regurgitation of gastric acid contents can be problematic.

Inhalation of smoke, kerosene, mineral oil, gasoline, or other caustic chemicals can also cause problems.

Neuromuscular disorders, which would cause difficulty with swallowing, can also result in aspiration pneumonia.

A common cause of aspiration pneumonia is faulty administration of liquid medication. Any liquid that’s given via syringe, whether medication or food, must not be given any faster than the animal can swallow, or there is a risk of aspiration pneumonia.

DOGS AT RISK OF ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

Dogs that develop aspiration pneumonia typically have a history of:

• Vomiting
• Recent anaesthesia
• Neurologic problems 
• An underlying medical condition that predisposes the dog toward aspiration

Medical conditions that make a dog more likely to inhale matter that has been vomited into their lungs include:

• Laryngeal paralysis
• Megaesophagus
• Persistent right aortic arch (seen in puppies)
• Congenital oesophagus problems
• Gastrointestinal disease

Dogs that are forced-fed have a higher risk. Puppies are also at risk of aspiration pneumonia, especially if they’re bottle-fed.

SYMPTOMS OF ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA

Aspiration pneumonia may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Regurgitation
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Fever
• Lethargy
• An altered mood
• Breathing difficulties
• Swallowing difficulties
• Panting
• An increased heart rate
• Exercise intolerance due to weakness
• Open mouth breathing
• Noisy or wet breathing
• Discharge from nasal passages
• Blue-coloured gums
• A bluish tinge to the skin (cyanosis)
• Stretching of the neck out to breath
• Collapse