Aspiration pneumonia in the Irish wolfhound: a possible breed predisposition

Abstract

Background Anecdotal reports suggest a recent high prevalence of aspiration pneumonia in Irish wolfhounds, prompting further investigation into the incidence of the disease in this breed. Objectives To investigate the possibility that Irish wolfhounds have an increased incidence of aspiration pneumonia, and to consider possible predisposing causes in this breed. Methods Retrospective review of medical records from the Small Animal Specialist Hospital, Sydney, from January 2008 to December 2012 inclusive to determine the total hospital incidence and individual breed incidences of aspiration pneumonia. Results The total hospital incidence of aspiration pneumonia was 0 · 5%. The Irish wolfhound had the highest breed incidence, with 9 of 25 dogs (36%) diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Four of the Irish wolfhounds had a predisposing cause identified; one having a choking episode, one having gastric bloat, while two were diagnosed with laryngeal paralysis after it was specifically investigated because of clinical suspicion. Five had no underlying cause of their aspiration pneumonia determined. Clinical Significance On the basis of the hospital population studied, the Irish wolfhound has a high incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Further investigation into the possible predisposing cause(s) in this breed is warranted.

Reflux aspiration in lungs of dogs with respiratory disease and in healthy West Highland White Terriers

“…IWHs were all healthy at the time of sampling, and a low concentration of bile acids was detected in BALF of only 1 dog. In a study by Greenwell and Brain, IWHs had a high incidence of BP and were suspected to be predisposed to aspiration. Possible predisposing factors for aspiration including abnormal laryngeal and esophageal function were not examined thoroughly in their study .…”

“…In a study by Greenwell and Brain, IWHs had a high incidence of BP and were suspected to be predisposed to aspiration. Possible predisposing factors for aspiration including abnormal laryngeal and esophageal function were not examined thoroughly in their study . Analysis of BALF TBA during times of BP in IWHs could assist in determining the role of aspiration injury in this disease.…”

Recurrent bacterial pneumonia in Irish Wolfhounds: Clinical findings and etiological studies

“…An increased incidence of BP has been reported in the Irish Wolfhound (IWH), and recurrent BP has been identified frequently in this breed . A recent questionnaire‐based study described at least 1 episode of pneumonia in 37% of IWHs, and the majority of these dogs (53%) experienced recurrent episodes .…”

Multiple Genetic Associations with Irish Wolfhound Dilated Cardiomyopathy

“…In contrast, the prognosis of dogs with heart disease such as atrial fibrillation or DCM is better when diagnosed and treated early with median time to death reported to be up to 4 years following early heart disease diagnosis [17]. There is limited literature on pneumonia in IWH [18, 19] but Greenwell and Brain [13] reported a breed predisposition compared to other breeds treated for pneumonia within a specialist small animal hospital. The majority (88.9%) of these initial cases were successfully treated, although 44% were ultimately euthanized due to recurrent pneumonia [13].…”

“…There is limited literature on pneumonia in IWH [18, 19] but Greenwell and Brain [13] reported a breed predisposition compared to other breeds treated for pneumonia within a specialist small animal hospital. The majority (88.9%) of these initial cases were successfully treated, although 44% were ultimately euthanized due to recurrent pneumonia [13]. Although treatable, gastric dilation-volvulus is often life threatening, with reported mortality rates between 20.5% and 30% across all breeds [20, 21].…”