Chronic idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in five dogs

Five dogs presented with chronic and progressive pulmonary illness characte rized by progressive dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and significant inspira tory crackles on auscultation. Radiographically, there was a widespread and diffuse interstitial lung pattern with varying degrees of bronchial involv ement. Histopathological changes included thickened alveolar septa, interst itial fibrosis, and pneumocyte hyperplasia. Based on the clinical, radiogra phic, and histopathological changes, a diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fi brosis was made. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease charact erized by inflammation and fibrosis of the pulmonary interstitium and perip heral airspaces, which has been poorly characterized in the dog.