Edinburgh University trialling mycophenolate for Westie lung disease
The team is also collecting data on owner perception of the disease, as well as their experiences of disease development and progression, and treatment uses.
The University of Edinburgh Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (Dick Vet), is requesting clients and veterinary colleagues to get in contact regarding a mycophenolate trial for Westie lung disease cases.
In a letter to Vet Times (Volume 52, issue 4), Professor Brendan Corcoran explained that the university is conducting research to evaluate the efficacy of mycophenolate treatment for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) in West Highland white terriers (Westies).
A major cause of respiratory disability and respiratory failure in Westies, IPF currently has limited effective treatment options. The research team hope to validate a novel treatment option, as well as understanding owner perception of the disease.
Researchers are asking clients and interested veterinary colleagues to 'get in touch' – and if a case is discovered to have convincing evidence of IPF, the option to trial the use of mycophenolate will be offered.
The project is primarily remote based, however, cases can be seen at the Dick Vet as usual referrals.
Preliminary work on the project has reportedly has 'promising success', particularly when diagnosis and disease severity have been confirmed by high-resolution CT.
The full letter is printed on page 23 of Vet Times Volume 52, Issue 4. Interested colleagues and clients can get in touch with the research team at westie.lungdisease@ed.ac.uk
Companies marketing medicines for small pets exempt from authorisation must submit their annual return to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) by 30 November 2026.
