A questionnaire-based survey of owner-reported environment and care of West Highland white terriers with or without canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

CIPF in WHWTs involves genetic, environmental, and care-related factors influencing disease occurrence and survival outcomes.

This questionnaire-based survey analyzed 542 West Highland white terriers to identify risk factors for canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (CIPF), a progressive lung disease affecting 29.7% of the cohort. The median age at CIPF diagnosis was 11.6 years, with lung crackles present in 87% of affected dogs. Median survival was one year post-diagnosis, with CIPF responsible for 77% of deaths in affected animals. Multivariate logistic regression identified increased CIPF risk with advanced age, UK residence, familial history, concurrent cardiac disease, regular professional grooming, and external parasite treatment. Pedigree status paradoxically reduced disease odds. Among affected dogs, asbestos exposure in homes increased mortality risk, while cardiac disease and frequent home grooming decreased mortality risk. These findings suggest multifactorial disease etiology involving genetic predisposition, environmental factors, care practices, and comorbidities in WHWT CIPF pathogenesis and progression.

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