Aspiration Pneumonia with Prominent Alveolar Mineralization in a Dairy Cow

Abstract

A 2-years-old Jersey breed cow showed severe respiratory distress and prolonged lateral recumbency about 1 week after parturition. The cow was regularly vaccinated against the main respiratory pathogens and was given a calcium salt solution per os shortly after calving in order to prevent milk fever. Despite therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, the cow spontaneously died one week later and was necropsied. On gross examination, a severe, acute, diffuse fibrinonecrotic tracheitis was observed. In addition, the cranioventral portions of both lungs appeared firm and severely congested, while the pleural surface was covered by a discrete amount of fibrinous exudate. Microscopically, the following lesions were observed: tracheal hemorrhages, acute, fibrinonecrotic and suppurative tracheitis, pulmonary hemorrhages, fibrinous bronchopneumonia and fibrinous pleuritis. Noteworthy, multiple foci of mineralization were observed, scattered throughout the lung parenchyma and occasionally within the tracheal mucosa. The presence of calcium deposits was confirmed by means of Von Kossa staining method. Based on clinical history, clinical signs and pathological findings, aspiration pneumonia caused by the accidental inhalation of liquid calcium salt supplement was diagnosed. The present case report highlights the relevance of the staff training to optimize animal production and welfare.

Haematological Alterations in Calves With Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Due to Aspiration Pneumonia: A Prospective Study

“…Th is fi nding may demonstrate that leukocytosis developing due to aspiration pneumonia may have a possible negative contribution to the exacerbation of hypoxia and could worsen the clinical manifestation as a consequence of rapid oxygen consumption by the leukocytes (Chillar et al, 1980). Th erefore, since aspiration pneumonia in calves is an oft en-fatal emergency (Hattab et al, 2022), it may be considered to evaluate CBC as a complementary test along with ABG, at least for the initial assessment, and the prediction of the clinical outcome (McKeever et al, 2016).…”

“…One of the most frequent causes of economic loss in livestock is respiratory disease, which has a multifactorial origin and leads to clinical and pathological abnormalities in the respiratory system. In addition to infectious causes, aspiration pneumonia (AP) is caused by the intake of foreign substances such as milk, colostrum, liquid supplements, or medications that damage the lung tissue as a result of inappropriate drenching methods/bottles or forced feeding (Hattab et al, 2022). Due to the irritating properties of the aspirated material, gangrenous bronchopneumonia may develop in cases where substantial amounts of fl uid have been aspirated, albeit death is nearly always immediate (Akyüz et al, 2022).…”

“…Due to the irritating properties of the aspirated material, gangrenous bronchopneumonia may develop in cases where substantial amounts of fl uid have been aspirated, albeit death is nearly always immediate (Akyüz et al, 2022). Th e initiation of clinical symptoms is frequently subtle since clinical and pathological characteristics of aspiration pneumonia are highly variable (Lopez and Martinson, 2017;Hattab et al, 2022).…”