Health Issues

This information is meant for educational purposes only; it is not intended to replace advice or treatment from your veterinarian.  Please discuss any health problems or concerns with your own veterinarian.

Vaccinations:

People rarely give a second thought to the vaccinations which their veterinarian administers.  Many veterinarians are altering their original recommendations where vaccinations are concerned. According to the Current Veterinary Therapy XI, a reference published every two to three years states "A practice that was started many years ago and that lacks scientific validity or verification is annual revaccinations. Immunity to viruses persists for years or for the life of the animal. Successful vaccination to most bacterial pathogens produces an immunologic memory that remains for years, allowing an animal to develop a protective anamnestic (secondary) response when exposed to virulent organisms. Only the immune response to toxins (such as tetanus) requires boosters... and no toxin vaccines are currently used for dogs or cats. The practice of annual vaccination in our opinion should be considered of questionable efficacy unless it is used as a mechanism to provide an annual physical examination or is required by law (i.e. certain states require annual revaccination for rabies)."

Allergic Reactions to Vaccinations:

Pugs have had near fatal allergic reactions to vaccinations. Their faces can swell to the point that it cuts off their airways. You should remain at the veterinarian’s office at least 15-20 minutes to see if your pug has any immediate reactions to the vaccinations.  Make sure you have at least 4 hours to observe your Pug after its vaccinations.

Allergies:

Pugs, like humans, can also suffer from allergies. Itching of the skin is the most common symptom of a dog allergy. The respiratory tract can be affected causing coughing, sneezing, and/or wheezing. At times, the eyes and nose may develop a discharge. Also, the digestive system may be affected causing vomiting or diarrhea. About 20 percent of the Pugs in the United States suffer from some type of allergy, whether it is atopic dermatitis, food, inhalant, contact, or bacterial allergies. Treatment depends upon the type of allergy.

Chocolate:

Contains theobromine - a substance toxic to Pugs. Baking chocolate contains more theobromine per ounce than semisweet chocolate, which, in turn, contains more theobromine than milk chocolate. While most lethal cases of chocolate poisoning occur when small dogs eat large quantities of baking chocolate, owners should nonetheless keep their Pugs and chocolates well separated. The same holds true for Cocoa Mulch, which we use in our gardens.

Collapsed trachea:

The cartilage rings that make up the windpipe are malformed and tend to collapse easily. When the cartilage rings are flattened from the top to the bottom, the trachea is said to be collapsed.  Rapid inhalation of air can cause the trachea to flatten and make it difficult for air to enter the lungs. The most common clinical sign is a chronic cough.  It is often described as dry and harsh and can become quite pronounced.  The term "goose honk" is often used to describe it.  Coughing is often worse in the daytime and much less at night.  The cough may also begin due to excitement, pressure on the trachea (from a collar and leash), or from drinking water or eating.  Collapsed trachea can be treated medically or surgically.

Entropion:

Is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to contact the surface of the eye. Either upper or lower lids may be involved, or a combination of both. Most often both eyes are affected. This condition is associated with discomfort and may result in damage to the eye which may be severe enough to cause partial or complete loss of vision. Squinting and tearing are the most common signs observed. Permanent treatment for entropion requires a surgical procedure to remove a narrow segment of skin and muscle from the eyelid with stitches used to evert the eyelid to a normal position.

Corneal ulcer:

A corneal ulcer is an abrasion or defect in the clear surface tissue of the eye. Ulcers may be shallow or deep. As this is a painful condition, the signs that are usually seen are squinting and tearing. Many ulcers are caused by trauma -- possibly through an interaction with another pet, or by something lodged under the eyelid. Ulcers can also occur due to "rolling in" of the eyelids (entropion) causing the lashes to rub on the surface of the eye, extra eyelashes (ectopic cilia), or inadequate tear production (dry eye). Medicated eye drops can be used, but once ulceration occurs, surgery is necessary to remove the deposit. If untreated, the ulceration may progress, even resulting in rupture of the eye in the most severe cases.

Keratoconjuctivitis sicca (dry eye):

Is a condition in which the tear glands are unable to provide adequate moisture to the eye. Each eye has two tear glands, one is located above the eye within the orbit and another, a smaller gland is associated with the third eyelid. While this can occasionally be caused by trauma, hypothyroidism, or a drug reaction, most cases are inherited or due to unknown causes. The condition usually affects both eyes, is chronic, and requires management for the duration of the Pug’s life to prevent discomfort and loss of vision associated with scarring of the surface of the eye. Pugs with this condition are also more susceptible to eye infections which can complicate treatment. Symptoms include redness, a thick discharge from the eyes and, with time, cloudiness and loss of vision. Treatment for "dry eye" may be either medical or surgical. Fortunately, most animals respond well to medical therapy, designed to stimulate the tear gland to produce more tears.

Pigmentary Keratitis:

Is an inflammatory condition of the cornea characterized by abnormal pigmentation. The pigmentation is deposited on the eye surface in an effort to protect it from some other issue that is irritating the eyelid; most often, dry eye, entropion, or ulcers. It can also be caused by overexposure to the elements. Treatment is the use of Cyclosporine or Tacrolimus eye drops given once to three times daily to try to remove the pigment. Surgery on the eye can help if the scar tissue is being cause by entropion.

Facial fold dermatitis:

Is an infection of the facial skin caused by unusual or excessive skin folds. The dermatitis occurs due to rubbing of skin and the trapping of moisture in the folds, Pyoderma (bacterial skin infection) commonly develops. The best treatment is preventative; clean your Pug’s nose wrinkles regularly.

Demodicosis/Demodectic Mange:

s a mite that is present in small numbers in the skin of most healthy Pugs. Nursing puppies acquire the mite from their mothers during the first few days of life, and in most Pugs there will never be any associated problems. In some Pugs however, the normal balance is disrupted due to an immune defect. The mites multiply by the thousands in the hair follicles causing inflammation, in a condition called demodicosis. Demodicosis may be localized; that is, confined to 1 or more small discrete scaly reddened areas of hair loss, most commonly on the face or front legs. This is usually seen in pups of 3 to 6 months of age, and most cases resolve spontaneously. Alternately, generalized demodicosis may develop, at anywhere from 3 to 12 months of age. This is a severe skin condition. Localized demodicosis: usually heals on its own within a few weeks, with or without treatment. Your veterinarian may suggest a mild parasitical ointment or lotion to rub on the affected area. Generalized demodicosis: most cases can be treated successfully. Treatment can be lengthy and expensive but the majority of Pugs recover completely. In most of the rest, the disorder can be well-controlled with monthly treatment.

Patella luxation:

Also called slipping kneecap or popping knee, this condition is mostly inherited but may in rare cases be caused by trauma. Conditions that predispose to dislocation of the patella are a shallow groove, weak ligaments and misalignment of the tendons and muscles that straighten the joint. The patella slips in or outward. The signs may include difficulty straightening the knee, pain in the knee joint and lameness, or you may first notice you Pug running and for one or two steps "carry" the bad leg so the kneecap can slip back into place. . The diagnosis is confirmed by manipulating the knee joint and pushing the kneecap in and out of position. Treatment involves surgery to deepen the groove and/or re-align the tendon.

Hip dysplasia:

Is a developmental malformation of the hip joints causing severe hip pain; this is often not seen until a Pug is two or three years of age. Keeping your Pug's weight under control and providing controlled exercise are very beneficial. Going for short walks will give you an idea of your Pug's limits. Proper exercise will maintain muscle tone and keep the joints moving and more fluid. Provide a warm environment and a well padded bedding area is also of benefit. Additional warmth helps chronically infected joints. Hot water bottles are helpful. Many drugs have been used to control the pain associated with the secondary arthritis that occurs with hip dysplasia. Some of these drugs are extremely effective, and can provide your Pug with a high degree of relief from pain. Most cases of hip dysplasia, especially in younger Pugs, are treated surgically.

Stenotic Nares

The openings of the nose (nares) are too small for the dog to comfortably breathe, causing stress on the heart, lungs, and trachea. This defect is found in breeds with short noses, including the Pug, leaving them to breathe through their mouths to get the necessary oxygen. You can identify a Pug with Stenotic Nares by a foamy discharge when they breathe or excessive breathing through their mouths when they get excited. Stenotic Nares can be corrected through surgery.

Elongated Soft Palate

The soft palate is part of the nose and mouth structure. When it is abnormally long, extending into the throat, it may cause breathing disorders. The only way to determine if your Pug has an elongated palette is to put it under anesthesia and have the vet examine it. Trimming the palate, to correct this problem, is a major surgical procedure.

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE):

PDE is an invariably fatal disease in the Pug which generally arises between 6 months and 7 years; however, the majority of Pugs affected are between 9 and 19 months of age.  In clinical terms, the disease is described as a necrotizing meningoencephalitis.  This description means that the brain and the layer of tissues surrounding the brain are abnormally inflamed.  The term "necrotizing" describes the clinical way in which portions of the brain are literally dying.  Although these portions may be very small, they are numerous and will cause severe and progressive neurologic symptoms.  Specifically, symptoms of PDE include:  seizure, pressing of the head against a wall or furniture, a staggering walk, apparent blindness, lethargy, depression, and neck pain.  When first presenting symptoms, most pugs simply quit jumping on or off furniture as they once did casually and they appear to have a "stiff neck".

Portosystemic Liver Shunt:

Liver shunts typically affect younger Pugs, but has been seen in 5 year old pugs as well. Some of the outward symptoms are lethargy, smallness in size, seizures, excessive drooling, head pressing, walking in circles. There are two types of shunts. One is internal and can most often not be corrected with surgery. Internal shunts can sometimes be monitored and controlled through medication and diet. External shunts can "usually" be fixed through surgery by a certified professional internist. Surgeons no longer just tie off the shunt as this causes too much shock to the Pug’s system and can result in death. Rather, they use an ameroid constrictor ring to slowly close off the blood vessel and help the dog adjust at a more acceptable rate.