Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Young dog with persistent fluid in chest and lung damage
By Pavlos G. Doulidis et al.·Published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science·2025·Clinical Unit of Internal Medicine Small Animals, Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria, CH·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Case Report: α1-antitrypsin deficiency causing persistent pleural effusion and multilobar alveolar emphysema in a young dog
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A 3-year-old male dog was brought in for a persistent cough, difficulty breathing, and fluid buildup in the chest. After thorough testing, including a CT scan and lung tissue examination, the dog was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, which led to lung damage and fluid accumulation. Unfortunately, there is no specific treatment for this condition, but managing symptoms and providing supportive care is essential. This case highlights the importance of recognizing such rare diseases in dogs.
People also search for: dog coughing and breathing problems · pleural effusion in dogs · alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency in dogs
Abstract
Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (A1ATD) is a rare genetic condition in both humans and animals, caused by mutations in the SERPINA1 gene that lead to reduced or absent production of alpha-1 antitrypsin (A1AT). This case report describes a 3-year-old male dog presenting with persistent pleural effusion, chronic nonproductive cough, and respiratory distress. Despite an extensive diagnostic evaluation that included computed tomography (CT), a definitive diagnosis of A1ATD was only reached after a histopathological examination of lung tissue, which revealed acinar emphysema characterized by the destruction of alveolar walls. Serum A1AT levels were undetectable, confirming the diagnosis. The absence of liver involvement aligned with the lung-predominant phenotype described in human A1ATD. This is the first reported case of A1ATD-associated emphysema and pleural effusion in a dog, emphasizing the need for further research into its pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management in canine patients.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1678702