Aspiration pneumonia in a Holstein Friesian crossbred cow: A case report

Abstract

Aspiration pneumonia is a lung disease characterized by inflammation and necrosis due to the inhalation of foreign material. A six-year-old Holstein Friesian crossbred cow was presented with history of anorexia, nasal discharge, hypersalivation, coughing, pyrexia and reduced milk yield following faulty drenching of liquid paraffin as the treatment for frothy bloat two days back. Clinical examination revealed high body temperature, mucus purulent nasal discharge, cough, tachycardia, tachypnoea, congested mucous membrane, putrid breath, extended head and neck with crepitation on palpation of neck and thoracic area. Thoracic auscultation revealed prominent and loud wheezing in antero-ventral aspect of the thorax. Haematology showed leukocytosis with neutrophils. The left lateral radiography of the thorax revealed alveolar and interstitial pattern. The animal recovered well, after parenteral treatment with ceftiofur sodium, flunixin meglumine, and nebulisation with ceftiofur sodium and levosalbutamol.