Eosinophilic Bronchopneumopathy in Dogs

Category: Airway & Lung
Breeds documented: 2
Published sources: 6

Overview

White blood cells called eosinophils collect in the airways and lungs in eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy (EBP). The airway lining can become swollen and thickened, with excess mucus. Coughing and breathing difficulty are common signs. Vets suspect an allergic reaction, but the trigger usually remains unknown. This condition can affect dogs of any breed or age.

Signs to watch for

An ongoing cough, often followed by gagging or retching
Discharge from the nose
Tiring more easily during exercise
Labored breathing

Dogs of any age can be affected.

When to get help Arrange a vet visit promptly for ongoing coughing; go to an emergency vet immediately for labored breathing.

Diagnosis and tests

Vets consider the history, chest X-rays and laboratory results. They may use bronchoscopy, a camera examination of the airways, to collect a lung rinse sample. Diagnosis relies on finding excess eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in airway samples and excluding other known causes. Stool testing and heartworm testing help check for parasites when these are suspected.

Breeds with documented risk

2 breeds

By breed size

1 Medium
1 Large

Siberian HuskyMedium · Working Group
Alaskan MalamuteLarge · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.