Aerodigestive Disease and Respiratory Health

The aspiration of oral and/or gastrointestinal contents into the respiratory tract contributes to a diverse range of respiratory syndromes including aspiration pneumonia (AP) and pneumonitis (APn) in dogs and cats. Identifying patients that are at risk for aspiration is critical for management as specific aspiration events may be unwitnessed or silent (ie, occult aspiration). Multimodal approaches are often needed to appropriately diagnose the underlying conditions driving AP, APn, and other aspiration associated respiratory syndromes. Management strategies should emphasize treating the underlying condition, in addition to respiratory disease, while promoting appropriate antimicrobial stewardship.