Aspiration Pneumonia

Dogs with GOLPP can experience aspiration pneumonia even without undergoing surgery to correct the laryngeal dysfunction. Aspiration pneumonia occurs when food, liquid, or foreign material is inhaled into the lungs instead of being swallowed into the stomach. In dogs with laryngeal dysfunction, there is a greater risk of aspiration, as the impaired laryngeal function may allow substances to enter the airway more easily.

Even without surgery, it's important to manage dogs with GOLPP carefully to reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia. This may involve:

• Feeding the dog in an elevated position to help prevent regurgitation and aspiration during meals.

• Monitoring the dog's diet and ensuring that they eat slowly and in a controlled manner.

• Avoiding feeding the dog while they are excited or agitated.

• Being vigilant during water consumption, as drinking too quickly can also lead to aspiration.

• Keeping the dog in a calm and stress-free environment to minimize the risk of swallowing difficulties.

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The first signs of aspiration pneumonia are that your dog has less energy, less or no interest in food, and a fever. Keep a thermometer handy (that’s solely for your dog) so you can take his temperature. A temperature of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher means he has a fever. Coughing and nasal discharge may occur later. It’s crucial to take your dog to the veterinarian at the very first signs of aspiration pneumonia. Your veterinarian may take chest x-rays and do blood tests. Antibiotics and other treatments such as coupage (gently hitting the chest wall with cupped hands) and nebulization (delivering moist air with or without medications through the airways) to resolve the lung infection and reduce inflammation can be used to treat aspiration pneumonia.