Aspiration pneumonia is a frequently
diagnosed lung disorder in young puppies, especially those that are orphaned.
Orphaned puppies fed milk replacers by the tube method are most at risk
because they are frequently overfed, or the tube is passed into the trachea
rather than the esophagus. A malpositioned feeding tube will result in milk
formula entering the lungs; this causes congestion and pneumonia. A puppy
with a cleft palate may also aspirate milk or milk formulas into its lungs.
What are the symptoms?
A puppy that aspirates milk formula will usually have milk flow out the
nostrils as well as have fluid entering the lungs. In severe instances, the
puppy will have immediate difficulty in breathing.
What are the risks?
All cases of aspiration pneumonia are potentially very serious. Even puppies
that only get 'a little' milk formula in their lungs frequently develop
a bacterial lung infection within several days. They may recover or die
depending on the severity.
What is the management?
If the aspiration is due to a congenital malformation such as cleft palate,
then surgical intervention to repair the defect may be needed. Care should
be taken if milk replacers are artificially fed so as not to get any into
the puppy's trachea or lungs. The same is true when administering other
medications such as liquid wormers, laxatives, or vitamins. If one suspects
a puppy has aspirated a foreign substance, consult your veterinarian. The
puppy must be observed closely for several days for signs of an infection
such as respiratory distress, coughing and/or fevers. Antibiotics are given
if bacteria invade the fluid-filled lung areas.
