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Chronic Fibrosing Interstitial Pneumonia - Donkey (view source)
Revision as of 12:54, 13 February 2010
, 12:54, 13 February 2010no edit summary
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==Introduction==
A large number of cases of IPF have been diagnosed ''post-mortem'' at [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary]. There is chronic fibrosis of the sub-pleural and interstitial lung tissue. As yet the aetiology is undetermined. A progressive on-going irritation to the lung is likely to be responsible, but whether this is allergic or toxic is unclear.
==Clinical Signs==
The clinical signs depend on the stage of the disease and are similar to that of [[Recurrent Airway Obstruction - Donkey|RAO]], with '''tachypnoea and dyspnoea'''. There may be '''nostril flare''' and, rarely, a '''cough''' is heard. Auscultation of the lungs reveals a variety of
'''adventitious sounds'''.
==Diagnosis==
[[Image:Pulmonary fibrosis donkey.jpg|right|thumb|250px|<small><center>Pulmonary fibrosis (Image courtesy of [http://drupal.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk The Donkey Sanctuary])</center></small>]]
It is difficult to diagnose the condition with certainty ''ante-mortem'', but lack of response to treatment often indicates pulmonary fibrosis is present. Despite the chronic nature of the disease, a number of animals present with an acute dyspnoea, regardless of therapy; these carry a very poor prognosis for survival despite therapy.
At '''''post-mortem''''' the lesions vary in severity from focal areas of fibrosis to large areas of generalised fibrosis with severe sub-pleural fibrosis. Airway inflammation is usually limited to the areas of collapsed and fibrosed lung, unlike the widespread inflammation seen in [[Recurrent Airway Obstruction - Donkey|RAO]].
==Treatment==
Treatment to optimise remaining lung function is similar to that as described for [[[[Recurrent Airway Obstruction - Donkey#Treatment|RAO]], and may be required for life. '''Secondary bacterial bronchitis''' is a common feature of IPF and [[Antibiotics|antibiotic therapy]] is often required.