Disorder - Pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic

Organ Systems Involved
Respiratory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Brachycephalic airway obstruction syndrome

Alternative Names
Cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis

Presenting Signs

This is a disorder affecting the lungs. The most common symptom is a sudden onset of rapid and laboured breathing. In some cases, the cat will die suddenly or within days of when clinical signs are first noticed. Other cats will live for an average of 5.5 months before either dying or being euthanased.

Cats at Risk

It is most commonly seen in middle aged and older cats, average age of onset of signs is 8.7 years old. The age of onset of clinical signs suggest that this is a chronic disease. Male and female cats are equally likely to develop the disease.

Breeds Affected
Persian


Treatment

Medical. A similar disease in humans has been treated with corticosteroids. Immunosuppressive agents and antifibrotic agents may slow progression of the disease; however, there were no reports that these treatments are effective in cats.

PubMed References
Pulmonary fibrosis, idiopathic

Contributor
Kenneth Loh