How To Handle Aspiration Pneumonia in Young Puppies
Aspiration pneumonia occurs when liquid or solid materials get breathed into the lungs.Young puppies that are tube fed or have a cleft palate are more likely to suffer from it.Immediate and intensive veterinary care is required for aspiration pneumonia.If your puppy has aspiration pneumonia, you need to take it to the vet immediately, care for it at home, and take steps to prevent it from happening again.
Step 1: Get in touch with your vet immediately.
Aspiration is when a puppy inhales anything other than air into its lungs.It can lead to aspiration pneumonia which can be very serious.If you notice that milk is running out of your puppy's nose, you should immediately visit your vet.There are other symptoms of aspiration pneumonia, including open mouth breathing, weakness panting, and a wet sound to it.
Step 2: Your vet will examine your puppy.
Your vet will run a number of tests on your puppy to confirm the diagnosis of aspiration pneumonia.Your vet will listen to your puppy's lungs to detect lung sounds during the physical exam.Blood work pulse oximetry is a test that measures the amount of oxygen in the blood.
Step 3: Allow your vet to give you therapy.
If your puppy has a severe case of aspiration pneumonia, your vet will need to start supportive therapy.It will not cure the pneumonia, but it will help your puppy feel better.Oxygen therapy to raise low blood oxygen levels is one example of supportive therapy.
Step 4: Let your vet start taking antibiotics.
Antibiotics will be needed to treat the pneumonia.If your vet obtained a fluid sample from your puppy's lungs, they will prescribe an antibiotic to target the specific type ofbacteria in the lungs.A broad-spectrum antibiotic is likely to be prescribed by your vet if you can't get a fluid sample.
Step 5: Continue with antibiotics.
It may take a long time for the infections in your puppy's lungs to go away.A few weeks of antibiotics may be prescribed by your vet when your puppy is strong enough to go home.Give your puppy the full course of antibiotics without missing a dose.If your puppy starts looking better, don't stop antibiotic treatment.All thebacteria may not be killed if you stop treatment early.The survivingbacteria could become resistant to antibiotics.
Step 6: Take your puppy for regular checks.
Your vet will want to see your puppy frequently during its antibiotic treatment to make sure the aspiration pneumonia is getting better.Your puppy's lungs will be looked at by your vet during these rechecks.
Step 7: Your puppy's megaesophagus needs to be managed.
A young puppy can often eat its food.It can breathe food into its lungs.After aspiration pneumonia treatment at your vet's office, care for your puppy at home by properly managing its megaesophagus.After your puppy finishes eating and drinking, keep it upright.Water can be added to your puppy's dry food to help it go down the stomach.The vet prescribed the medications.
Step 8: Carefully tube feed your puppy
Improper tube feeding can lead to aspiration pneumonia in young puppies.Make sure no air bubbles are in the milk formula if you tube feed your puppy.Measure the feeding tube from your puppy's mouth to its last rib.The puppy should be placed on its side to do the measuring.Attach the tube to the puppy's tongue and throat.To make sure you can feel the feeding tube and trachea, run your thumb and index finger along your puppy's neck.Do not hold your puppy in your arms.
Step 9: It's a good idea to use caution when giving liquid medications.
It is easy for oral liquid medications to end up in the puppy's lungs when given with a syringe.The best way to prevent aspiration pneumonia when giving liquid medication is to hold your puppy's head in your non-dominant hand.Attach the needle to the side of the puppy's mouth.The medication could end up in your puppy's lungs if you angle it towards the back of the throat.The needle should be empty slowly.Give your puppy time to swallow and breathe by putting a few drops in its mouth at a time.
Step 10: Correct your puppy's cleft palate.
If your puppy has cleft palate, it will need surgery to prevent aspiration pneumonia from happening again.During the surgery, your vet will close the top of your puppy's mouth to keep food and liquid out of the lungs.If your puppy has a foreign object in its lungs, surgery could be needed.Special precautions will be taken by your vet if you decide to have your puppy have surgery.It can be expensive to have surgery.Discuss your financial concerns with your vet if you want your puppy to have surgery.