Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Body function:

Respiratory

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Canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a genetic condition of which the origins are not fully understood. The condition primarily causes lung scar tissue accumulation in West Highland White Terriers, though some other terriers are affected. As scar tissue grows, the lungs have less room for air, making breathing increasingly difficult.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

West Highland White Terrier

Two dogs are looking up at the sky with their mouths open. The dog on the left is brown and white, and the dog on the right is brown with white markings on its chest and paws. Both dogs are wearing harnesses and are standing in a grassy field with a blue sky in the background.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

There is no known cure for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Steroid treatment can help manage symptoms temporarily, as can medications to help lower lung pressure.

Symptoms

Signs of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis include respiratory distress, especially following exercise. Dogs may experience shortness of breath, fast breathing, and exercise intolerance. Typically, dogs with pulmonary fibrosis die within 12 to 18 months of diagnosis.

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