Aspiration Pneumonia

What is Aspiration Pneumonia (AP)?

AP is a damaging lung disease that occurs when a dog inhales a foreign substance. Frequent vommitting and problems with the animal's esphogus can also contribute to this disorder. If left untreated, this disease can be life threatening.

Symptoms

Dogs with this disease may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Coughing
• Problems breathing
• The mucus membranes will have a blue coloring (known as cyanosis)

Causes

This disease is typically caused by other disorders such as:

• Cleft palate
• Disorder regarding the larynx
• Megaesophagus
• Mouth disorders
• Throat disorders

Treatment and Prevention

Treatment depends on the severity of the illness. For instance, severe cases typically require hospitalization while more mild cases are treated with proper hydration and diet. This disorder is extremely difficult to prevent due to the variety of its causes. It is recommended to consult with your vet regarding any further information pertaining to this disease and treatment therapies.

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Aspiration Pneumonia