Iatrogenic aspiration pneumonia in six horses: A retrospective case series.

BACKGROUND

Iatrogenic aspiration pneumonia is rarely reported in horses, with most cases involving lipoid pneumonia from accidental mineral oil administration.

AIMS/

OBJECTIVES

Our aim is to describe horses with iatrogenic aspiration, highlighting clinical findings, treatment, outcomes, and prognostic differences based on the aspirated material.

METHODS

Management of 6 horses treated at the University of Helsinki Equine hospital due to iatrogenic aspiration between 2018 and 2023 are reported.

RESULTS

Of the six horses, three survived, two of whom regained full athletic function. Survivors received water, or water with electrolytes, via nasogastric tube and were presented to the hospital within two hours of the incident, while non-survivors treated with mineral oil, mineral oil and water, or psyllium had experienced a delayed admission of 1 to 16 days.

CONCLUSION

Timely recognition and early initiation of aggressive treatment of iatrogenic aspiration may improve survival. Water aspiration caused marked respiratory compromise but a fair prognosis, while psyllium or mineral oil aspiration had poor outcomes.