Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Question 1

What is the typical signalment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 1

Predominantly seen in middle to old-age cats (mean age 9 years)

Most affected cats have a history of progressively worsening respiratory signs over months with poor response to conventional therapy

Question 2

What are the predominant clinical signs

Answer 2

predominant clinical signs of dyspnea (usually mixed inspiratory/expiratory pattern), coughing and tachypnoea

Lethargy, inappetence and weight loss are seen in some

Crackles and wheezes are most commonly found on auscultation

Question 3

What are the main causes for pulmonary fibrosis

Answer 3

In most cases the cause is idiopathic
- occasional cases with known exposure to potentially fibrosing inducing agents such as lomustine and second-hand cigarette smoke

Question 4

What can help differentiate idiopathic fibrosis from viral pneumonitis or toxoplasmosis

Answer 4

Chronicity of the clinical signs and restriction of the disease to the lungs exclude a viral pneumonitis or toxoplasmosis

Question 5

What is the most frequent radiographic sign

Answer 5

Marked interstitial infiltrates frequently predominate
- leading to honeycombing involving the most peripheral airways