What is Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia)?
Fibrotic hardening of the lungs, or pulmonary fibrosis, is a form of pneumonia that affects a specific section of the lungs. It is one of many types of respiratory diseases dogs can suffer from. The West Highland Terrier, among other Terrier breeds, is affected by the disorder. This disorder is characterized by the normal tissue of the lungs being replaced by fibrosis, or scar tissue. This inhibits lung capacity and function and can limit the dog’s activities, such as walking, running, and playing. Pulmonary fibrosis is hard to recognize when it is forming because there are no clinical signs in the beginning. After noticing the symptoms, and once the dog is diagnosed, it usually has progressed to where it is increasingly difficult to fully heal. The lungs are not able to properly allow the oxygen in and the carbon dioxide out, which causes great respiratory pain and distress.
Pulmonary fibrosis, or fibrotic hardening of the lungs, is a disorder of the tissue of the lungs. Normal tissue is replaced by thickened and stiff scar tissue that causes difficulty in breathing over time.
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Symptoms of Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) in Dogs
The symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis can be mild to severe. At the onset, symptoms may go unnoticed. Symptoms can include:
- Coughing
- Difficulty exercising
- Labored breathing
- Lethargy
Types
Pulmonary fibrosis is the most common respiratory disease in dogs and is seen mostly in the West Highland Terriers. Other respiratory diseases that the veterinarian may rule out before making the diagnosis are:
- Brachycephalic airway syndrome
- Chronic bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Congestive heart failure
- Pleural space disease
Causes of Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) in Dogs
The primary cause of pulmonary fibrosis is idiopathic. Secondary pulmonary fibrosis is caused by:
- Inhalation of pollutants
- Radiation therapy of the chest
- Medications
- Pulmonary infections
- Disorders of the connective tissues
Diagnosis of Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) in Dogs
Since the symptoms are very hard to notice in the beginning of pulmonary fibrosis, the medical professional may attribute the minor signs to aging or other disorders, such as allergies. If your dog has any of the definite symptoms, the veterinarian will listen to his breathing with a stethoscope. He may hear the lungs crackling and may notice that the dog is struggling to breathe properly.
The veterinarian will do imaging of the chest to look for specific, or interstitial, abnormalities caused by pulmonary fibrosis. The veterinarian will need to rule out chronic bronchitis because the symptoms can be similar. For this, the veterinarian will do a bronchoscopy of the airways and a cytological exam to take a closer look at the abnormal cells. Other imaging may be used at the medical professional’s discretion, such as a very informational computed tomography scan (CT scan).
Thoracic radiography, the testing of pulmonary functions, and an echocardiography to check for hypertension may also be performed. A very expensive test which can carry a lot of weight in diagnosing pulmonary fibrosis is an open lung biopsy, although it is rarely performed. The veterinarian is able to come up with a definitive diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis with the combination of the other tests.
Treatment of Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) in Dogs
Treatment is not as effective as medical professionals would desire as pulmonary fibrosis is usually diagnosed after much time has passed; the early symptoms are hard to distinguish or even be recognized as something serious. Treatment can include:
Prednisone Therapy
The use of prednisone therapy does prove effective, as it can help calm inflammation in the airways. The effectiveness, however, depends on the dog’s diagnosis and severity of the condition.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil, or Viagra, can be given to dogs to help lower lung pressure. With pulmonary fibrosis, the lungs develop a higher blood pressure because of the development of the scar tissue within the healthy lung tissue.
Other Medications
The veterinarian may prescribe specific antibiotics to counteract any infection, depending on the diagnosis and if the dog has any other conditions in addition to this disorder.
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Recovery of Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) in Dogs
Once your dog has been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, the veterinarian will give you recommendations for at-home care. With a diagnosis of this disorder, you will have to stay guarded, as the lifespan for dogs with pulmonary fibrosis is approximately one year or a little longer. If your dog is dependent on oxygen, then the time could be less.
Every diagnosis is different, and every dog is different. Your dog may be able to survive longer with an early diagnosis and a mild to moderate level of inflammation. Your veterinarian will explain to you the prognosis of your dog and will give you advice on how to make his life more comfortable. Your veterinarian is also available if you have any questions or concerns about new symptoms or overall well-being of your fur baby.
Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) Average Cost
From 39 quotes ranging from $900 - $6,000
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Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
West Highland White Terrier
Chance
10 Years
0 found this helpful
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My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
Short Of Breath
Wheezing
Exercise Intolerence
Rolls Over For Ribs Rubbed
Likes To Be Patted On The Back/Ribs
Abnormal Lung Xray
How much oxygen do you recommend giving a 20 lb Westie that has PF aka WLD?? And how long??
I am trying to tell myself I will know when the time is right, so he doesnt suffer. He has developed a twitch and had aspiration pneumonia last Sept. But he is somewhat normal and wanting to play in between episodes, he does run down the hall but very easily exerted. Right now his use is only episodal. My fiance is a pharmacist and I have worked in the business end of radiology and physical therapy so we are pretty knowledgeable of levels and terms.
Thanks for the help.
Jan. 26, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
0 Recommendations
Thank you for your email. Without examining Chance or knowing more about what type of oxygen setup, I cannot answer this question, I'm sorry. Your veterinarian will be able to give you more guidance on what oxygen levels Chance needs, but if you have a pulse oxymeter, ideally he would maintain 94-99% oxygen levels. I hope that he does well on his current therapy.
Jan. 27, 2018
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Cross collie
Jet now sadly deceased
15 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Coughing
Coughing Shortness Of Breath Lethargic
I lost my beloved dog to fibrosis what I would like to know would he have suffered near the end my vet said I would know when he had had enough and Im plagued with guilt that I might have kept him going to long and that he was suffering I would appreciate your advice. Regards. Susan
Sept. 1, 2017
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It is never an easy task to assure someone about their pet and whether or not they were suffering during their final days; it is normal to question whether you acted quickly enough to Jet’s condition. Pulmonary fibrosis is progressive and the oxygen exchange ability of the lungs decreases over time; as the condition progresses you would notice exercise intolerance and difficulty catching breath, the time for euthanasia usually comes when a dog is no longer able to stand, walk and do their business without gasping for air. Each case is different, but Jet is now at peace. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Sept. 2, 2017
I was diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. After a two-week stay in the hospital, I was home with oxygen. I was still coughing badly, breathless and my chest pain was ongoing. I had a heart attack six months ago. I'm 69, female, and no longer working. I lost 36 pounds in 1 month as my coughing causes me to vomit non-stop! I was so tired. My blood pressure has always been high; it averages at 193/88, I was on minimum daily dosage prednisone (7.5 mg), azathioprine and N-Acetyl. They put me on 6 liters of oxygen and steroids. The pulmonary doctor told me that I was going to die and said there was nothing he could do for me,I started on Natural Herbal Gardens IPF Herbal formula treatment in June 2017, i read alot of positive reviews on their success rate treating IPF disease through their Herbal formula and i immediately started on the treatment. Just 7 weeks into the Herbal formula treatment I had great improvements with my breath and my chest pain was no more. I am unbelievably back on my feet again, this is a breakthrough for all Pulmonary Fibrosis sufferers, visit Natural Herbal Gardens official website www . naturalherbalgardens. com i turned 69 today. i will keep sharing awareness
May 9, 2018
Debbie F.
I was diagnosed with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. After a two-week stay in the hospital, I was home with oxygen. I was still coughing badly, breathless and my chest pain was ongoing. I had a heart attack six months ago. I'm 69, female, and no longer working. I lost 36 pounds in 1 month as my coughing causes me to vomit non-stop! I was so tired. My blood pressure has always been high; it averages at 193/88, I was on minimum daily dosage prednisone (7.5 mg), azathioprine and N-Acetyl. They put me on 6 liters of oxygen and steroids. The pulmonary doctor told me that I was going to die and said there was nothing he could do for me,I started on Natural Herbal Gardens IPF Herbal formula treatment in June 2017, i read alot of positive reviews on their success rate treating IPF disease through their Herbal formula and i immediately started on the treatment. Just 7 weeks into the Herbal formula treatment I had great improvements with my breath and my chest pain was no more. I am unbelievably back on my feet again, this is a breakthrough for all Pulmonary Fibrosis sufferers, visit Natural Herbal Gardens official website www . naturalherbalgardens. com i turned 69 today. i will keep sharing awareness
May 9, 2018
Debbie F.
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Fibrotic Hardening of the Lungs (Pneumonia) Average Cost
From 39 quotes ranging from $900 - $6,000
Average Cost
$1,200
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