Clinical and radiographic findings in cats with aspiration pneumonia: retrospective evaluation of 28 cases

Objectives To describe the clinical syndrome of aspiration pneumonia in cats and record potential predisposing factors. Materials and Methods A retrospective medical records search for cats with a diagnosis of "aspiration pneumonia" or "bronchopneumonia" was performed. Cases were included if they had a complete medical record and three-view thoracic radiographs with pulmonary changes consistent with aspiration pneumonia and no other radiographic or physical examination findings suggestive of another cause of pulmonary or cardiac disease. Results We identified 28 cases. Potential predisposing conditions included: vomiting (12 of 28; 43%), anaesthesia (five of 28; 18%), enteral nutrition (five of 28; 18%), preexisting oesophageal disease (four of 28; 14%), neurologic disease (two of 28; 7%) and laryngeal disease (one of 28; 3.6%); 15 of 28 (53%) had more than one potentially predisposing condition. The most common lung lobe affected was the right middle (18 of 28; 64%), followed by the left cranial (16 of 28; 57%); multiple lung lobes were affected in 16 of 28 (57%) cases. Most cats (25 of 28; 89%) survived to discharge, with a median hospitalisation of 3 days. Clinical Significance Potential predisposing factors for developing aspiration pneumonia in cats are similar to those recorded in dogs and people. Aspiration pneumonia occurred in cats following vomiting, anaesthesia or after receiving enteral nutrition. Survival rates are high following treatment with antibiotics and supportive care, with 89% of cats in this study surviving to discharge.