Chronic progressive interstitial pulmonary fibrosis in West Highland WhiteTerriers

Five West Highland White Terriers (WHWT) suffering from chronic dry cough, tachypnoe at rest and exercise intolerance were examined clinically, by rad iography, electrocardiography and echocardiography. A post mortem examinati on of one dog was done and the lung was examined pathohistologically. The f ive dogs showed radiographically changes like in interstitial pulmonary fib rosis. Chronic interstitial pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed in the necrops ied dog. On the basis of few reports in the literature and our experiences a breed disposition of WHWT for chronic pulmonary interstitial fibrosis see ms likely. Aspects of differential diagnosis and treatment are discussed.