Respiratory diseases in dogs are quite common in the small animal clinic. The attention that the owner must maintain in his pet is crucial, since the signs and symptoms of certain lung pathologies can be confused, and this can lead to a late diagnosis by the veterinarian.
In this article on our site, we will talk a little about pulmonary fibrosis in dogs, its causes and how to treat it, with the aim to provide valid information to the guardian of the pet and achieve the ideal benefit for the furry one of the house.
What is pulmonary fibrosis in dogs?
Fibrosis responds to a pathological formation of fibrous tissue in any tissue of the body. In this case, we speak of the pulmonary interstitium (intercellular space). Due to different causes, pulmonary fibrosis reduces the animal's quality of life, compromising its breathing.
For example, the West Highland White Terrier (WHWT) breed is one of the most mentioned breeds when we talk about this pathology, since the prevalence of this disease in this breed has been published on countless occasions.
Symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis in dogs
Respiratory symptoms are not specific and can be confused with other respiratory pathologies. Generally, dogs affected by this pathology arrive at the office with pictures of:
- Persistent chronic cough.
- Tachypnea.
- Cyanosis.
- Exercise intolerance.
- Syncopes.
All these symptoms are also characteristic of cardiac pathologies, but additional tests must be performed to arrive at a correct diagnosis.
Causes of pulmonary fibrosis in dogs
The causes of pulmonary fibrosis in dogs are not really concrete. It is a pathology that is still under study and, although it is not fully understood by science, there are certain theories that propose the possible causes:
- Inadequate environmental control: Dogs constantly exposed to dust, harmful substances and respiratory irritants may be more prone to contracting the pulmonary fibrosis.
- Chronicity of respiratory infections: many times, some pets tend to have respiratory infections that are usually mild, but are not treated correctly and they evolve over time, until they cause pulmonary fibrosis at some point in our pet's life.
- Genetics: It has been described that the West Highland White Terrier (and terriers in general), is the breed that is most predisposed to suffer from this pathology, however, it is a disease that can affect any breed of dog.
- Cancer in dogs: it has been shown that some dogs that have had lung cysts can develop this pathology throughout their his life. Disorderly cell growths can lead to an undue accumulation of fibrous tissue.
Can pulmonary fibrosis in dogs be cured? - Treatment
We must be clear that this pathology is chronic and can develop over time. In this case, it is a condition that can be treated for a long time, but it is almost impossible to reverse Most authors report that there are drugs that relieve the signs and associated symptoms, but that the dog will hardly return to normal. To establish a treatment that can improve the animal's symptoms and lengthen its life, we must make a correct diagnosis of the respiratory and cardiovascular system. Some complementary tests that the veterinary doctor who suspects pulmonary fibrosis should perform are the following:
- X-Ray: Radiology is the most important complementary test to diagnose pulmonary fibrosis in dogs. Fibrous tissue is characteristically noted and the veterinarian, associating the images with the clinic, will be able to give the owner the necessary information. On some occasions it can be referred to as cystic pulmonary fibrosis (when the pathology is associated with cancer cells).
- Hematology and blood chemistry: these are not tests par excellence for diagnosing canine pulmonary fibrosis, but for any dog with significant symptoms, We must have that information. In the case of pulmonary fibrosis, the vet might notice an increase in red blood cells due to hypoxia caused by lung malfunction.
- Echocardiography: a significant percentage of dogs with pulmonary fibrosis also have pulmonary hypertension, a clinical sign that must be diagnosed by this method. In recent studies, more than 40% of West Highland White Terriers were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension along with lung fibrosis, being one of the breeds most affected by this pathology.
There are other techniques to differentiate the diagnosis from other diseases, such as bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), but since they are invasive techniques and require some skill from the veterinarian, they are little used. In addition, they carry a risk to the dog's quality of life. All these laboratory techniques named above, would be put into practice after a correct physical examination that reveals the need to carry them out. Do not, under any circumstances, put the dog through uncomfortable or painful procedures, if not necessary.
How to cure a dog with pulmonary fibrosis?
Treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is based on both the signs and symptoms and the dog's medical history. If the patient has pulmonary hypertension, the first thing the veterinarian should do is control it. This therapy is not curative, it is only established to stop the progression of the disease
Steroidal and antitussive management has been described to relieve symptoms, however, we repeat that it is a merely symptomatic action. The environmental management of the pet is extremely important, that is, keeping it away from any mechanical condition that may occur. It is not recommended that it be in contact with dust or any irritating agent. For obvious reasons, the environment where your pet will spend the next few years of life must be controlled.
How long can a dog with pulmonary fibrosis last?
As mentioned above, we are talking about a chronic pathology, and in many cases it is idiopathic (of unknown cause). Few authors describe a pilot time in which a dog with this condition can survive (generally 16 to 30 months after the onset of clinical signs). It is known that it can be years, but due to the close relationship that the lung has with other organs (especially the heart), if the animal's condition is not the most adequate, it could die months after being diagnosed.
It must also be taken into account that pulmonary fibrosis is a disease that is very rarely diagnosed in young dogs, so trying to measure how long a dog with this condition can last is quite unspecific.
