Aspiration pneumonia in cats

[marko]

A couple of months ago, baci developed pneumonia very quickly...

Due to the fact that he eats like a freak (inhales his food) I am thinking that some food may have gone down his trachea and possibly into or near his lungs.

He saw the vet, got x-rays and was on heavy antibiotics and is totally fine now...

The vet never said anything about aspiration pneumonia but a quick search shows that this is often the result of regurgitated or vomited foods making it into the lungs.

We were using the pipolino 99% of the time (a device that rolls on the floor and lets the kibbles fall out slowly - image attached) and then we thought his food obsession was ending so we gave him kibble (once a day - 2x a day he gets soft) in a bowl. He reverted to eating the kibbles too quickly so back on the pipolino he went.

Just wondering what you guys think though? Could a few kibbles that went down the wind-pipe cause this? I'm thinking yes, very possible....am I off-base? Thx all!

[hazelrunpack]

I don't think you're off-base. Was vomiting a part of the dinner ritual for him when he was wolfing it down? That would make aspiration pneumonia more likely, but all it takes is some moisture that can't be cleared--spit, food, anything foreign to the lung.

[growler~GateKeeper]

Quite possible, years ago Mischief when eating krunchies would spit out little pieces of them on the floor & later eat them, if Baci does the same a little portion of the krunchie could have gone the wrong way.
Glad he's all better now

[Winston]

Marko I think your on the right track but I really dont know. Please give Baci a gentle hug for me please!!

Cindy