Suspected acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to laundry detergent pod aspiration in a dog

To describe the successful management of a pediatric canine with acute respiratory distress syndrome secondary to detergent aspiration.

An 11-week-old female Pembroke Welsh Corgi.

The dog was referred for treatment of respiratory distress secondary to aspiration and ingestion of an unquantifiable amount of detergent from a laundry detergent pod. The dog presented dyspneic, cyanotic, and too weak to stand. Thoracic auscultation revealed increased bronchovesicular sounds bilaterally, without crackles or wheezes.

The dog required intubation and mechanical ventilation for 5 days. During hospitalization, the dog developed severe pulmonary edema, hypotension, seizures, and inappropriate mentation. Case management additionally included placement of a nasogastric tube and urinary catheter, nebulization, telemetry, and supportive medications. After 12 days of hospitalization, the dog was discharged. Follow-up examinations were performed weekly for 5 weeks following discharge. There was significant improvement noted on thoracic radiographs and complete resolution of respiratory signs.

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report to describe successful treatment with mechanical ventilation for clinical signs associated with detergent aspiration in a canine.