Aspiration pneumonia is a common complication, with many risk factors, seen in canine patients in referral centres and first opinion practices. Nurses play a vital role in recognising signs of aspiration pneumonia: cough, changes in breathing rate and effort, and abnormal thoracic auscultation. Treatment centres on supportive care, while providing antibiotic therapy for the bacterial infection. This article will focus on management of the canine aspiration pneumonia patient.

Sarah Egleston - Emergency and Critical Care Veterinary Nurse, Queen Mother Hospital for Animals, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead Ln, Brookmans Park, Hatfield AL9 7TA