Westie Lung Disease: Our Vet Discusses Signs, Diagnosis & Treatment

West Highland White Terriers, or Westies, are lovable and energetic dogs. Unfortunately, they seem to be predisposed to a lung condition known as Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, which is also known as Westie Lung Disease.

What Is Westie Lung Disease or Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, also known as Westie Lung Disease, is a form of interstitial lung disease. Most diagnosed cases involve dogs of Westie descent, but they are not the only breeds with a higher-than-average number of affected population members. Other breeds that may be overrepresented by Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis include:

Westie Lung Disease occurs spontaneously, with the affected dog’s body depositing collagen in the lungs and even mineralizing the tissues. The lungs scar and thicken, so affected dogs cannot breathe as well as a dog without Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Gas exchange, essentially swapping oxygen for carbon dioxide, needs to occur in these areas of the lungs so your dog’s oxygenation capabilities decrease.

Typically, affected Westies are older, although the condition has been reported in young adult dogs. Some studies have found it in dogs as young as three years old. People can also develop Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, so researchers are studying canine cases to look for similarities in how the disease develops and investigate possible treatment options.

What Are the Signs of Westie Lung Disease?

Dogs with Westie Lung Disease have trouble breathing and difficulties with oxygen exchange. It is much more of an effort for them to breathe than a dog that isn’t affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

Pulmonary hypertension is commonly associated with pulmonary fibrosis. With this condition, high blood pressure develops, particularly in the lungs. Signs of pulmonary hypertension in dogs include:

You might hear your dog wheezing when breathing, but this is especially noticeable during lung auscultation. Your veterinarian might also hear crackles or a sound that people describe as Velcro.

Westie Lung Disease is typically progressive. Your dog may have minimal signs at the start, but over time, many dogs have to be euthanized due to difficulty breathing or a poor quality of life.

What Are the Causes of Westie Lung Disease?

We don’t know what the underlying cause of Westie Lung Disease is, but exposure to respiratory irritants could be a contributing cause. Genetics are likely a significant contributing factor to Westies’ developing pulmonary fibrosis. However, researchers have yet to figure out the mice of inheritance for the condition. Other possible factors, such as the dog’s sex, don’t seem to be a contributor.

Studies into pulmonary fibrosis show that the lungs can develop scarring as a healing method. The lungs are trying to repair themselves and lay down scar tissue, which thickens the usually very thin alveoli.

Diagnosing Westie Lung Disease in Your Dog

Diagnosing Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis can be challenging, although if you have a Westie with trouble breathing, it should be on the list of differential diagnoses. Your veterinarian will listen to your dog’s heart and lungs. This part of the exam is essential because your dog could have a heart murmur and be in congestive heart failure rather than suffering from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Your veterinarian will likely recommend blood work and radiographs (X-rays) to look for metabolic changes and abnormalities in the appearance of the heart and lungs.

To confirm a Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis diagnosis, your veterinary team would need a lung biopsy. This invasive testing is not usually performed outside of a necropsy (animal autopsy), so your veterinarian will likely rule out major cardiac and pulmonary conditions and treat your dog accordingly.

How Do I Care for a Dog With Westie Lung Disease?

Unfortunately, Westie Lung Disease is incurable. Most dogs have advanced disease when they are symptomatic and subsequently diagnosed. Treatment is therefore geared to helping alleviate the signs of pulmonary fibrosis.

Your veterinarian might prescribe corticosteroids like prednisone to decrease lung inflammation. Temaril-P, a medication that combines a steroid with a cough suppressant, would be another consideration.

Bronchodilators like theophylline relax the smooth muscles in the lungs, which can reduce coughing and help your dog breathe better. Research is ongoing to find other possible treatments. One drug showing promise is sobetirome. This compound has an anti-fibrotic effect. You’ll need to monitor your dog’s breathing regularly. These dogs can develop hypoxia much easier than a healthy dog, so exercises that might seem less stressful could significantly impact your Westie’s ability to breathe. You should also limit their exposure to heat, which could easily lead to heat stroke or possible airway irritants that could exacerbate your dog’s difficulties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Westie Lung Disease contagious?

Westie Lung Disease is not contagious, but it may be genetic. You don’t need to worry about your other dogs contracting the illness from your Westie (although it would be possible, in theory, for your other dog to spontaneously develop the condition, especially if they’re a Westie).

How long do dogs live with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Dogs with pulmonary fibrosis have a very guarded prognosis. According to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, dogs usually only live 12 to 18 months after being diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis.

Conclusion

Westie Lung Disease, or Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, is a serious condition that appears to affect West Highland White Terriers more than other dog breeds. This disease process of gradual lung fibrosis and scarring is irreversible. Affected dogs often require supportive care until a point when humane euthanasia should be considered.

Featured Image Credit: Detyukov Sergey, Shutterstock

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