Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Iatrogenic aspiration pneumonia in six horses: A retrospective case series.
- Journal:
- Journal of equine veterinary science
- Year:
- 2025
- Authors:
- Vainio, K M E et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
In a study involving six horses treated for a condition called iatrogenic aspiration pneumonia, which can happen when a horse accidentally inhales something like mineral oil, researchers looked at how these horses were affected and treated. The horses that were brought to the hospital quickly, within two hours, and received immediate treatment with water or water mixed with electrolytes had a better chance of survival. Out of the six horses, three survived, and two of them were able to return to their normal athletic activities. In contrast, the horses that were treated later, after 1 to 16 days, and received treatments like mineral oil or psyllium (a type of fiber) did not do as well. The study suggests that getting prompt care for this condition can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
Abstract
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41176076/