Aspiration lung disorders in bovines: A case report and review

Abstract

Lung aspiration disorders in bovines are invariably diagnosed as infectious aspiration pneumonias. There is a distinct differentiation between aspiration pneumonia and aspiration pneumonitis in humans that can be applied to bovines. The nature and quantity of the aspirate can result in differing pathogeneses which can require differing therapeutic approaches. Whilst blood gases were important in detecting and prognosticating lung problems, changes in barometric pressure with altitude have to be considered when interpreting partial pressures of oxygen. Anatomical differences in the lungs of bovines can explain why this species is more prone to certain pneumonic problems. Pulmonary physiotherapy is important in treating lung disorders in humans and should be considered as an adjunct therapy in bovine respiratory conditions. A case work-up was used to highlight some of the points discussed in this article.

Aspiration pneumonitis (Mendelson's syndrome) as perianaesthetic complication occurring in two horses: A case report

“…Aspiration of gastric content is a life-threatening complication that has been described in ruminants (Shakespeare 2012) and man (Mendelson 1946), and also experimentally reproduced in various animal models (Zucker et al 1992;Fraisse et al 2007;Richter et al 2013). Its clinical manifestation in human patients is known as Mendelson's syndrome.…”

“…Aspiration of gastric content is a life‐threatening complication that has been described in ruminants (Shakespeare ) and man (Mendelson ), and also experimentally reproduced in various animal models (Zucker et al . ; Fraisse et al .…”

Aspiration Pneumonia with Prominent Alveolar Mineralization in a Dairy Cow

“…Incidental inhalation of food or of other foreign substances is a rather common event that can severely impair the respiratory function in different ways, both in humans and animals, including through mechanical obstruction of the lower respiratory tract, inflammatory response induced by irritating chemicals and bacterial infections. In adult cattle, aspiration pneumonia due to the inhalation of the ruminal content can occur [ 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ], usually resulting from swallowing disorders (“dysphagia”). As an example, tetanus-affected cows are more prone to aspiration pneumonia because of pharyngeal paralysis or paresis [ 8 ].…”

“…In the present case report, the calcium salt solution severely damaged the tracheal mucosa, with pathological findings overlapping those described after accidental drenching of disinfectants [ 5 ]. Aspiration pneumonia commonly develops as an acute, necrotizing or gangrenous pneumonia, because of the irritative power of the inhaled materials and their ability to carry pathogenic or saprophytic bacteria [ 7 , 12 ]. The cranial lobe of the right lung is the most susceptible in cows due to anatomical reasons, as it is supplied by the accessory bronchus originating directly from the supracarinal trachea.…”

Endotracheal tube obstruction with a blood clot following aspiration of rumen contents in a reindeer

“…Earlier detection of respiratory compromise due to ‘silent’ aspiration could have been aided by arterial blood gas sampling in addition to capnography, airway pressure monitoring and pulse oximetry, although none of these modalities would have indicated the likely aetiology of any respiratory compromise identified. No other treatment would seem warranted as management of uncomplicated chemical pneumonitis involves intravenous fluid therapy, IPPV, airway suction, oxygen supplementation and anti‐inflammatory drugs, all treatments the reindeer was already receiving intraoperatively 38…”