Lung health is vital to your dog’s overall well-being, so when issues arise, they can significantly impact your pet’s quality of life. Breed and genetics play a role in several conditions, so understanding your dog’s DNA is a useful tool in your pet care toolbox. The more you understand about common lung conditions, and respiratory issues more broadly, the better equipped you’ll be to manage your dog’s health.
The role of the lungs in a dog’s body
Before we dive into medical issues, it’s helpful to remember how healthy lungs function. The lungs are responsible for a critical process: oxygenating the blood and removing carbon dioxide. Oxygen enters the lungs during inhalation and carbon dioxide and other waste products are expelled during exhalation. This gas exchange is an essential function. When lungs are compromised, it can impair breathing, lead to infection, or result in other complications.
Common genetic lung conditions in dogs
Several lung conditions in dogs have a genetic component, meaning dogs can inherit genes that put them at risk of developing the disease. Below are examples of genetic lung diseases and their associated signs of illness.
Canine pulmonary fibrosis (CPF)
CPF is a serious, progressive condition where lung tissue becomes thickened and scarred over time, impacting the lung’s ability to perform essential functions. The exact cause of CPF is not fully understood, but it is believed to be linked to both genetic and environmental factors. Breeds like the West Highland White Terrier, among others, are more prone to this condition. In fact, this condition is sometimes referred to as Westie Lung Disease due to the prevalence in the breed.
Signs of CPF include:
- Chronic coughing
- Increased respiratory rate
- Exercise intolerance
- Weight loss and lethargy
CPF is challenging to treat, and management typically focuses on alleviating clinical signs and slowing the progression of the disease. Medications such as corticosteroids may help manage inflammation and slow the fibrosis. Supportive therapies like oxygen supplementation may also be used to improve quality of life.
Lung cancer
Lung cancer can be primary (originating in the lungs) or metastatic (spread to the lungs from another part of the body), with metastatic cancers being the more prevalent form. The leading causes of metastatic lung cancer in dogs are mammary adenocarcinoma, osteosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, and oral melanoma.
Lung cancer is most commonly seen in older dogs but some breeds like the Boxer, Irish Setter, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Doberman Pinscher are genetically predisposed.
Not all dogs will show clinical signs of lung cancer. Those that do may present with:
- Persistent coughing (sometimes with blood)
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
- Difficulty breathing
Treatment options may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Less prevalent genetic lung disease
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Acute respiratory distress syndrome, also known as shock lung, is a life-threatening condition that involves widespread inflammation in the lungs. It often results from trauma, infection, or systemic illness and leads to severe difficulty in breathing.
Signs of illness include:
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Blue-tinged gums or tongue
- Extreme lethargy
- Increased respiratory effort
ARDS requires immediate veterinary attention and is typically treated with oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., infection or trauma). The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the dog’s overall health but can be quite poor in severe cases.
Wisdom Panel’s Premium dog DNA test screens for a particular hereditary form of ARDS risk in Dalmatians. Dogs with one copy of the variant are considered carriers and are usually not at risk of developing the disorder. Dogs with two copies are considered at risk, with a high likelihood of developing the disease within the first year of life.
Lung developmental disease
First found in the Airedale Terrier, lung developmental disease—also called lethal lung disease—causes acute respiratory distress and failure within the first days or weeks of life, as affected puppies don’t develop the surface film called surfactant necessary to reduce surface tension and allow the lung tissue to open fully and allow oxygen exchange.
Signs include:
- Severe shortness of breath
- Rapid, labored breathing
- Fast heart rate
There is typically no treatment that can save the life of a puppy born with this disease. Wisdom Panel Premium tests for lung developmental disease (discovered in the Airedale Terrier).
Inflammatory pulmonary disease
Inflammatory pulmonary disease (IPD) is characterized by recurrent airway inflammation, such as pneumonia,s. In IPD, cilia, which act as “brooms” to sweep excess mucus and debris out of the airways, do not function properly, predisposing the respiratory tract to infection and irritation.
Signs of IPD include:
- Shallow breathing
- Recurring respiratory illnesses
- Nasal discharge
There is no cure for IPD itself, though the resulting infections can often be treated using antibiotics if administered before the infection becomes severe. However, infections are recurrent.
Wisdom Panel Premium tests for Inflammatory Pulmonary Disease (Discovered in the Rough Collie).
Primary ciliary dyskinesia
Similar to inflammatory pulmonary disease, primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a disorder that causes tiny hairs called cilia to form in the respiratory system, resulting in recurrent respiratory tract infections. As cilia throughout the various body systems are affected, it can also impact hearing and cause infertility in males.
Wisdom Panel Premium tests for two genetic variants for this disorder.
Broader respiratory issues in dogs
The lungs are just one part of a dog’s respiratory system. Following are other common genetic conditions that impact a dog’s respiratory function.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
BOAS is a condition that affects brachycephalic breeds such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pugs. These dogs have short, flattened noses, which can result in elongated soft palates, narrowed nostrils, and other airway obstructions that make it difficult for them to breathe.
Signs include:
- Snoring or noisy breathing
- Difficulty exercising
- Cyanosis (blue gums or tongue)
- Collapsing or fainting episodes during exertion
Treatment may involve surgery to correct abnormalities or lifestyle modifications, such as weight management and avoiding excessive heat or exercise. The severity of the condition will dictate the appropriate treatment plan. Your veterinarian is your best resource for managing your pup’s BOAS.
Laryngeal paralysis
Laryngeal paralysis occurs when the muscles controlling the larynx (voice box) become weak, causing partial or complete obstruction of the airway. It’s now known that this is most often part of a larger syndrome of nerve dysfunction, called geriatric-onset laryngeal paralysis polyneuropathy or GOLPP.It’s most common in large-breed dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and St. Bernards.
Signs include:
- Change in voice (a hoarse or raspy bark)
- Difficulty breathing, particularly when excited
- Coughing or gagging
- Cyanosis or excessive panting
Treatment options for laryngeal paralysis may involve surgery to widen the airway, such as a procedure called a tie-back surgery. This procedure helps prevent the collapse of the airway, improving breathing.
Collapsed trachea
Collapsed trachea is a common condition in small dog breeds like Pomeranians and Yorkshire Terriers. The tracheal rings, which are typically rigid, become weakened, leading to the collapse of the airway and obstruction of airflow.
Signs include:
- A honking cough
- Difficulty breathing, particularly during exertion
- Gagging or choking
- Blue gums or tongue
Treatment may involve cough suppressants, anti-inflammatory medications, or weight management. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be needed to insert a stent to keep the trachea open.
What about reverse sneezing in dogs?
Reverse sneezes can sound distressing. But the good news is that they are typically harmless. Reverse sneezing occurs when a dog’s soft palate or throat starts to spasm due to irritation. This can be caused by the dog’s own barking,nasal inflammation, or sniffing an irritant into the airway. The spasm causes rapid inhalation of air through the nose and produces a telltale honking sound. Spasms usually resolve after a few moments and no treatment is needed. However, if reverse sneezing episodes are frequent, it’s best to check in with your veterinarian to determine appropriate next steps.
Final thoughts
Lung conditions and respiratory problems in dogs can be caused by various factors, both genetic and environmental. Genetic testing plays a vital role in identifying at-risk dogs and helping prevent these conditions in future generations. To screen for respiratory and other health conditions, check out our Premium dog DNA test.
If your dog is showing signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing, labored breathing, or a change in activity level, consult your veterinarian for a thorough evaluation. Early intervention can improve your dog’s chances of living a long, healthy life.
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