Recurrent Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease in Dogs

Category: Airway & Lung
Inheritance: Autosomal recessive
Breeds documented: 1
Published sources: 2

Overview

A form of recurring lung disease has been described in three related Rough Collies. The dogs repeatedly developed coughing, abnormal breathing and nasal discharge, and a vet diagnosed inflammation involving the airways and lungs. Researchers linked the illness to a possible genetic cause, but emphasized that its clinical features were not yet fully understood.

Signs to watch for

Repeated bouts of coughing
Shallow breathing
Breathing that sounds louder than usual
Recurring nasal discharge, sometimes yellow
Repeated vomiting of foamy material

Signs began within days of birth in two of the three reported dogs.

When to get help Book a veterinary visit if coughing, noisy breathing or nasal discharge keeps recurring.

Diagnosis and tests

The original report described veterinary diagnosis of bronchopneumonia, inflammation affecting the airways and lungs, in the affected dogs. Researchers then used family DNA studies to identify an AKNA variant that tracked with illness. The finding enabled genetic testing in Rough Collies, but the authors described the variant as a candidate cause and said the clinical features needed further study.

Breeds with documented risk

1 breed

By breed size

1 Medium

CollieMedium · Herding Group

Inheritance

Autosomal recessive
A dog is affected only if it inherits two copies of the gene variant, one from each parent. A dog with one copy is a carrier: usually healthy, but able to pass the variant on. When two carriers are bred, on average one puppy in four is affected. A DNA test can tell clear, carrier and at-risk dogs apart.
As stated by OMIA

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.