Clinicopathologic and radiographic features in 33 cats with aspiration and 26 cats with bronchopneumonia (2007‐2017)

Background Aspiration pneumonia (AP) and bronchopneumonia (BP) are poorly characterized diseases in cats that share clinical similarities to inflammatory airway disease (IAD). Objectives Describe clinicopathologic, radiographic, and microbiologic features in cats with AP and BP and compare findings to those in cats with IAD. Animals Thirty-three cats with AP and 26 with BP; 44 cats with IAD. Methods Retrospective case-control study. Results extracted for all cats included signalment, physical examination findings, historical details, and potential risk factors for aspiration. Diagnostic test results were summarized including CBC, bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid analysis and microbial culture. Radiographs were reviewed in masked fashion and scored for severity. Results of BAL fluid analysis were assessed for evidence of septic inflammation. Results Cats with AP were less likely to be presented for evaluation of cough (P Conclusion and clinical importance Pneumonia must be distinguished from IAD in cats with cough and AP should be considered in cats with acute onset of tachypnea.