ASPIRATION PNEUMONIA IN TWO TIBETAN YAK BULLS (BOS GRUNNIENS) AS A COMPLICATION OF KETAMINE-XYLAZINE-BUTORPHANOL ANESTHESIA FOR RECUMBENT CASTRATION.

Among members of the genus Bos, aspiration pneumonia has been described in domestic cattle (Bos taurus and Bos indicus). In these species, aspiration pneumonia is most commonly a sequelae to oral administration of fluids or medications, as well as aspiration during procedures under anesthesia. Management of aspiration pneumonia secondary to complications from anesthesia for short duration surgical procedures is minimally reported in the Tibetan yak (Bos grunniens). Although regurgitation under anesthesia has been reported in the yak, there are no reports of aspiration pneumonia treatment. This case report describes the diagnosis and management of aspiration pneumonia in two Tibetan yaks undergoing castration under injectable ketamine-xylazine-butorphanol anesthesia. This case report also describes the gross and pathologic characteristics of anesthesia-induced aspiration pneumonia in one Tibetan yak, as well as successful treatment in another.