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Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
Written By hannah hollinger
Published: 09/30/2015Updated: 11/24/2021
Veterinary reviewed by Michele K.
What is Aspiration Pneumonia?
Aspiration pneumonia is a condition in which the lungs become inflamed due to inhalation, or aspiration, of a foreign substance. This usually occurs after a dog vomits and inhales a portion of the regurgitated material, and it happens more commonly in young puppies. Preventing aspiration pneumonia is easier than treating it, but if notice your dog having difficulty breathing soon after vomiting, contact a veterinarian right away.
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a dog inhales a foreign substance, leading to a bacterial infection in the respiratory tract. The severity and sharpness of aspiration pneumonia depends on the extent of the inflammation, as well as on any underlying conditions that may have caused the vomiting. Aspiration pneumonia can be life-threatening, especially if it is severe enough to restrict the flow of oxygen.Aspiration Pneumonia Average Cost
From 114 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$600
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Symptoms of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
The signs of aspiration pneumonia include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Tachypnea, or rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Wheezing or coughing
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Causes of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
In the majority of cases, pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when a dog inhales fluid or other materials into the respiratory tract, leading to inflammation in the airways. Though a dog may inhale foreign material when vomiting, the act of vomiting itself does not directly lead to aspiration pneumonia. The condition only occurs when regurgitated materials are inhaled, which may be made more likely by a variety of reasons, including:
- Disease, such as laryngeal paralysis or inflammation of the esophagus
- Deformity, such as a cleft palate
- General anesthesia
- Presence of a feeding tube
Aspiration pneumonia is easier to prevent than to treat. Most veterinarians will recommend that a dog fasts prior to surgery to minimize the risk of regurgitation during anesthesia. When administrating oral medication, make sure that the medicine is given only at the speed that your dog can swallow to prevent inhalation into the respiratory tract. Young puppies, as well as dogs that are fed with a feeding tube, are at higher risk of developing the condition.
Diagnosis of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
When you bring your dog to the veterinarian, be prepared to provide information about your dog’s signs and recent activity. The veterinarian will need a complete history in order to better diagnosis your dog’s condition. If your dog has vomited or regurgitated recently, let the veterinarian know, as many of the clinical signs associated with aspiration pneumonia are nonspecific. Knowing that your dog may have inhaled a foreign substance will help determine the necessity of a chest radiograph.
The veterinarian may perform several tests, including a physical examination and blood work, as part of the initial visit. This may help eliminate the possibility of other conditions, though aspiration pneumonia itself is typically diagnosed with thoracic radiography. A chest X-ray can confirm the presence of inflammation in the lungs. If your dog is stable enough, fluid can be taken from the lungs with a tracheal wash or endotracheal lavage, which will identify the bacteria present in the respiratory tract.
Treatment of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
Treatment for aspiration pneumonia contains several components, the majority of which are focused more on support than on addressing the condition itself. Antibiotics will be administered to fight any bacterial infection present, with broad spectrum medication given in cases where a culture could not be obtained. Depending on your dog’s condition, the veterinarian may recommend different treatment, with potential components including:
- Fluid therapy - Proper hydration keeps the airway moist and encourages coughing, which helps remove pus and mucus from the respiratory tract.
- Oxygen - In more severe cases, oxygen therapy may be needed to ensure that your dog is receiving enough air.
In some cases, your dog will need to be hospitalized until he is stable enough to transition to homecare. If there is an underlying cause for the aspiration pneumonia, such as a cleft palate or a tumor, that condition will also need to be addressed in order to prevent a reoccurrence of pneumonia. The prognosis for aspiration pneumonia is generally good but varies depending on the cause of the vomiting.
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Recovery of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
Once your dog has been released from the hospital, you will need to keep him quiet and calm during the recovery period. Be sure to outfit an area for your dog to rest comfortably, and make sure he has access to fresh water. You will need to monitor your dog’s cough, as well as watch for any changes in other clinical signs.
Depending on the extent of the pneumonia, you may need to bring your dog back to the veterinarian for a follow-up exam. The veterinarian may wish to conduct another chest radiograph to ensure that the inflammation is resolving and that your dog is recovering properly. If the vomiting was caused by an underlying condition, you might need to address the cause so that the aspiration pneumonia does not recur.
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Cost of Aspiration Pneumonia in Dogs
Each case of aspiration pneumonia is different as each can have a different cause. If there are any underlying causes of the vomiting (i.e. cleft palate, tumor etc.) then the cause would be treated as well. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics in order to treat the aspiration pneumonia if infection presents itself. Antibiotics can cost anywhere between $50 and $150. Fluid therapy may be administered if your dog is severely dehydrated from the vomiting. Your dog may also need oxygen support which can cost $120 to $140. The veterinarian may need to hospitalize your dog for observation and to ensure your dog is progressing. If your dog is hospitalized, the total cost of the above treatment options can run between $500 and $2000. However, without knowing the cause, it is difficult to know the complete total cost.
Aspiration Pneumonia Average Cost
From 114 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$600
Top
Aspiration Pneumonia Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
chi
Thirteen Years
33 found this helpful
33 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Noisy Breathing
I took her to the vet today. She has aspiration pneumonia. I was charged $369 for 3 xray views and 28 62.5mg Claxamox. To get bloodwork would have cost an additional $190. The veterinarian told me it would be at least $2k for a 2-dsy stay, or take her home. I brought her home. He told me to give her Clavamox every 12 hours. Do you have any advice for me, for the home treatment? I'm going crazy.
Dec. 21, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
33 Recommendations
I'm sorry to hear she is so unwell.
Unfortunately those with aspiration pneumonia can be quite unwell and, in my experience, tend to benefit most from supportive care including intravenous fluids, oxygen and syringe feeding.
At home, ensure she is warm and comfortable. Offer food and water frequently. Offer extra tasty, warm food and be prepared to syringe food if she refuses it.
Ensure the air is clear from dust, smoke, cooking fumes etc
Wishing her a speedy recovery.
Dec. 21, 2020
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Pit Bull
One Week
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Boogers While Feedinb
My new born pup onky a few days old has boogers coming out of his noise. Is something wrong with him he is breathing fine
Dec. 6, 2020
Answered by Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
7 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda.
It isn't normal to have nasal discharge at this age.
If the discharge is yellow/green this could indicate an infection.
One possibility would be an aspiration pneumonia which can occur when milk has gone down the wrong tube. This is more common in pups with cleft palate.
A vet check would be best, just in case.
Discharge can be gently cleaned with warm, wet cotton wool.
Dec. 6, 2020
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French Bulldog
Eight Months
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Breathing Difficulty, Wont Lay Down, Difficulty Breathing
She wont lay down. She falls asleep standing up and just randomly falls over. Has trouble breathing and she does have a cleft palate. Just started doing this yesterday.
July 27, 2020
Answered by Dr. Ellen M. DVM
10 Recommendations
Hello, thank you for your question. I am very sorry to hear that your dog is having trouble breathing. This sounds very serious and I would treat it as an emergency.
I recommend taking your dog to an emergency veterinary clinic IMMEDIATELY. It sounds like your dog is in severe respiratory distress and may also be having syncopal (fainting) episodes).
I hope that your dog starts feeling better soon. Please seem medical attention right away.
July 27, 2020
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French Bulldog
8 weeks
20 found this helpful
20 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Sneezing
i gave her liquid benadryl by doc orders and i think she inhaled some
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
20 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Unless she inhaled a lot, it will probably just irritate her nose for a little while. If things pass within an hour or two, she should be fine. If she continues sneezing or coughing, it would probably be best to have her seen by a veterinarian so they can assess her lungs and her nose. I hope that all goes well for her.
July 25, 2020
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Peke mix
Violet
14 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing, Wheezing, Lethargy
Last night I came home and my 14 yr. old Peke mix was acting lethargic and was coughing and wheezing. A few hours before that, she had been fine. Took her to the after hours vet and was diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia after examination and chest xray. She was put on 2 antibiotics and brought home. She had 1 more episode of coughing, but then stopped and the wheezing stopped. About 5 hours after getting her first dose of antibiotics, she vomited up her supper contents, but still no more coughing or wheezing. I've been giving the antibiotics as advised. She is not her normal happy self, but rather slow moving and tired. I think this is probably due to her antibiotics (Clavamox and Enrofloxacin), but if she truly had aspiration pneumonia would the coughing and wheezing have stopped that fast? She had no fever when at the vet and had pink gums. Just the xray and exam were the result of the diagnosis. I take her back tomorrow for a recheck, but just have doubts that this was really aspiration pneumonia or is something else going on? Thoughts??
July 1, 2018
0 Recommendations
Without examining Violet myself I cannot confirm or alter a diagnosis made by another Veterinarian who has performed an in person examination; however, vomiting is a potential side effect of both antibiotics which have been prescribed. Sudden improvement is not expected with aspiration pneumonia, but again without examining Violet myself I cannot really comment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
July 2, 2018
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Pomeranian
Patsy
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
My dog barks while she has food in her mouth because she hears my neighbors coming in. After she barks she always coughs because she’s doing it with food in her mouth. She acts completely normal afterwards; plays, eats, and drinks. I’m worried that she could of aspirated her food. If she’s acting fine and not coughing should I be worried?
Pomeranian
Patsy
1 Year
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
My dog eats her food (in a slow feeding bowl). As I live in an apartment, when my neighbors come home she hears it and barks even when she has food in her mouth. When this happens she coughs then acts completely normal; she is still eating, drinking, and playing. She has done this maybe 2 other times. I am worried that she could have aspirated her food or will in the future. How would I know if she did aspirate? Would she be coughing more right away?
English Bulldog
Susie
5 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Loud Breathing
Lethargy
Vomiting
Coughing
Breathing Difficulty
Elivates Head To Breath
No Apetite
No Active
Our 5 months old english bulldog is now in hospital with a chance of having aspiration pneumonia.
2 weeks ago she stopped taking meds for bronchitis and everything was fine for next 10 days. Few days ago she started having bad cough again and she kept vomiting and we went to vet. She got some shots and started going for few hours hospitalization for drips, oxygen therapy and a nebulizer but we couldnt see any imrprovement. She seemed to better last evening but this morning she got way worse with very loud breathing. Now she needs to stay in hospital for more oxygen and nebulization. We are really affraid about our little baby and wandering what else would be good to check in this case?
We already know her trachea is not wide enough.
Dachshund
Bubba
5 Years
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy, Vomiting
Lethargy, Vomiting, Throat Tightens
Bubba has been gradually getting worse with starting to cough and his throat tightens up and he expels his food and water. Dr gave him xray and ct to check for masses but came back with partial paralyzed esophagus and aspirated pneumonia. We are looking into getting him a baileys chair in the meantime we are giving him his food on a step up spot in the house to elevate his upper body. Is there any other advice to help manage his situation? Or any communities we can discuss this issue with other owners in this position
French Bulldog
Bentley
12 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My French Bulldog is 12 weeks old & this morning when i got him out of bed he vomited. He then vomited another 3 times while getting him ready for the vet. The vet has examined him & said that he has fluid in his lungs which could be from aspiration of his vomit. Firstly i don't know why he was vomiting. We feed him kibbles with greek yogurt & i think it is possible the greek yogurt may have been off or left out too long. What are the treatments if he has aspiration from this ?
Aspiration Pneumonia Average Cost
From 114 quotes ranging from $300 - $6,000
Average Cost
$600
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
