West Highland White Terrier: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, a breed-specific disease
A West Highland White Terrier with a chronic cough and breathlessness after only moderate exertion isn't necessarily dealing with a passing respiratory niggle: the breed is closely associated with a chronic lung disease well described in UK veterinary literature. Find all our health pointers in the dog care and grooming section.
What the landmark UK study shows
A study by Corcoran, Cobb, Martin, Dukes-McEwan and colleagues, published in 1999 in the Veterinary Record, followed 29 West Highland White Terriers with chronic pulmonary disease to describe its clinical course (study on Google Scholar). The dogs followed showed chronic coughing and progressive breathlessness over months to years, with an average survival of about 18 months from the first signs. The condition, now often referred to as canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, remains largely specific to this breed to this day.
Signs that should raise a flag
- A persistent dry cough that develops gradually and doesn't respond to the usual kennel-cough treatments.
- Breathlessness on exertion, including during moderate activity the dog previously handled with ease.
- Abnormal breathing sounds at rest, crackles audible on auscultation that strongly point toward the diagnosis.
Supporting a Westie with a confirmed diagnosis
There is no cure, but early management, an environment free of respiratory irritants such as smoke or dust, and regular veterinary follow-up help slow progression and preserve quality of life. That specialist follow-up, including chest imaging, comes with a cost that a dog health insurance plan can help cover. Find the full breed profile on the West Highland White Terrier page and browse all our guides on the dog hub.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chronic cough in a Westie always linked to this disease?
No, other causes exist, but a persistent cough in this breed should prompt a veterinary opinion to rule this possibility out.
Is there a cure for this pulmonary fibrosis?
No, there is currently no cure, but appropriate management helps slow progression and supports the dog's comfort.
At what age does the disease usually appear?
It most often affects middle-aged to older dogs, with a course that develops gradually over several months.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Dogs universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.