Aspiration pneumonia and complications of inhalation of smoke and toxic gases.

Pulmonary aspiration of oral, esophageal, or gastric content poses a significant hazard to animals. Aspiration of acidic, alkaline, or ingesta-containing gastric contents can cause serious morbidity and mortality. Clinicians must be aware of conditions and clinical situations in which there is increased risk of aspiration. The most important aspect of the mitigation of the pneumonic complications of aspiration is prevention.