Research Note: Role of GI Aspiration in West Highland White Terriers with Canine Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

The etiology of canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (ie, a chronic, progressive, interstitial fibrosing lung disease) is unclear; however, development of disease is thought to have a genetic component because West Highland white terriers are primarily affected. Gastroesophageal reflux and reflux aspiration may also play a role in development. This study evaluated protein expression in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from West Highland white terriers with and without canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and sought to identify protein markers suggestive of reflux aspiration. The methods used allowed discrimination between dogs with and without canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but no clear evidence for GI aspiration was found.