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The Rocky Mountain Pug Dog Club has received 2 reports from the preliminary Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) research.
Dr Kimberly Greer of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A & M is working diligently to establish data for further funding of her research from
AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF).
Dr. Jamie Bush is also conducting PDE Research at Colorado State University. If you have questions or would like information to pass on
to your veterinarian please contact her at pugology@lamar.colostate.edu
Pug Dog Encephalitis
Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is a unique form of brain inflammation affecting adolescent and young adult pugs. It is believed to be a genetic condition, as littermates and closely related dogs are often affected.
It is a rapidly progressing disorder for which there is no cure.
The cause of the condition is unknown. Although infectious disorders are known to cause
encephalitis, infection is apparently not the cause of PDE. The disease is not limited to pugs as it has been found in Maltese and Yorkshire Terriers. Female pugs are slightly more likely to be
affected compared to males. Although it has been reported in middle aged pugs, the majority of
affected pugs range from 6 months to 2 years old
PDE is invariably fatal. All dogs either die or are put to sleep within a few days to months after the onset of clinical signs.
Affected dogs show clinical signs that indicated a problem with the brain and nervous system. See your veterinarian immediately if any of these signs develop. Watch For:
Seizures
Walking in circles
Pressing their heads against the wall or furniture
Ataxia (a staggering walk)
Apparent blindness
Neck pain
Diagnostic tests are needed to recognized PDE and exclude other diseases, including:
Complete history and physical exam, including a complete examination of the neurological system.
A spinal tap (a procedure in which a small sample of the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord is obtained and analyzed) may give helpful information for making the diagnosis.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic test that allows visualization of the
structures of the brain and is very useful in making a diagnosis. It requires specialized
equipment available only at referral centers and universities.
Post-mortem tissue analysis, in which a sample of brain tissue is examined after the dog dies or is euthanized, is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.
Although PDE is invariably fatal, treatment may control clinical signs for a brief period of time. Treatment may include the following:
Anticonvulsants, such as phenobarbital, or bromide may help control seizures, the most
common clinical sign of PDE.
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs, and may help reduce some of the brain
inflammation associated with the disorder.
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