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First of all, why do you need to know??
If you have a pug or pugs, you should definitely be aware of this disease. I just found out about it recently, under terrible circumstances and I’ve had several pugs in my lifetime.
Pug Encephalitis is a brain disorder or brain disease. As of now, veterinarians do not completely know what causes it, but they think it is hereditary and immune-mediated. Immune-mediated diseases are characterized by an abnormal immune response in which the body’s immune system thinks that normal cells are dangerous and then attacks those cells. In Pug Encephalitis, the pug’s immune system would attack the brain.
What age does it strike??
Pug Encephalitis usually strikes pugs between the ages of 2-3, but it has been known to strike pugs as young as 6 months and as old as 7 years. Female pugs are more susceptible to this disease than male pugs.
Symptoms
Behavioral changes
Seizures
Neck stiffness
Head tilt
Pressing head against walls or objects
Disorientation or confusion
Loss of coordination
Walking in circles
Depression
Lethargy
Weakness
Blindness
Pugs that get this disease may not show all of these symptoms- they may only have a few.
Two Types:
Slow Progressive: This type features seizures and sometimes other symptoms preceding seizure activity. Seizures may last seconds or even minutes. In between the seizures, the pug will likely resume his/her normal behavior.
Rapid Progression: This type often features more frequent seizure activity. In between the seizures, the dog will not return to normal, but continues to display pug encephalitis- associated symptoms. These symptoms include: disorientation, lack of muscle coordination, trouble walking, confusion and signs of depression.
How long will my pug live if diagnosed with this disease?
Chances are, probably not long. This disease is fast-moving and when it strikes, it strikes hard. In most cases, the symptoms of pug encephalitis will progress very rapidly (in a matter of days or sometimes, weeks) and result in sudden death, usually due to seizures. In rare cases, a pug may live a while longer with the help of seizure drugs. Ultimately, all affected pugs will die from the disease, usually within weeks or months after the symptoms start.
You cannot prevent pug dog encephalitis, as vets think it is genetic in origin. Pugs with this disease SHOULD NOT be bred!! If your pug develops pug encephalitis, IMMEDIATELY call the breeder from whom you purchased the pug, and if possible, inform the other owners who may have purchased puppies from that same litter.
Even though there is no cure for pug encephalitis, your vet may be able to prescribe medications to make your pug comfortable. It is very important that you see your vet immediately if your pug shows any sign of the symptoms. Seizures can be caused by any number of conditions, so make sure your vet performs the necessary tests to rule out other potential causes. If tests show that your pug does have pug encephalitis, your vet will want to start him/her on supportive treatment right away.
Is there any hope?? Any kind of treatments??
Sadly, no. Some distraught owners may pursue medical treatment. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may help reduce inflammation for a short time and anticonvulsants like phenobarbital 0r valium can treat seizures, but it’s just a temporary fix. Treatment should only be given with a focus on the pug’s quality of life.
Dolly’s story:
We got Dolly from a lady in Emporia, Kansas. We basically rescued her because the kennel that we got her from was not in good shape. However, we seen her and immediately fell in love with her, so she came home with us. The lady would not give us her paper work and that worried me a little at the time, but I really just wanted to get Dolly out of there.
Dolly was a little spit-fire from the start. She had so much energy, was full of life and just a barrel of fun. She took right to her big sis, Molly and they became best buddies. They had four wonderful years together. We took them on a mile walk everyday, they got to go to Petco real often, we went to “grandma’s house” a lot (they loved that), we took several vacations, they had baths once a week (spa time), they had more clothes than their mom, they had a custom built princess bed made for them, etc… you get the idea. Dolly was loved so much and every single day.
I had no idea about pug encephalitis… no idea this disease even existed. When Dolly first started getting symptoms (she just turned 4), the vets all thought it was her knee caps moving out of place. Then, one vet thought that she had hurt the back of her neck but… the symptoms kept coming and pretty soon, the seizures started. The seizures were awful, they were severe and they never really stopped completely once they started. All of this happened within days… it was so quick. We ended up taking Dolly to the Kansas State vet clinic, and several days later, they gave her an MRI. Pug encephalitis was confirmed and we were devastated. The neurologists told us that Dolly had a 30-40% chance of having a halfway normal life, but later that night, she went into cardiac arrest and I told the vet to let her go. I couldn’t stand the thought of her suffering any longer. I cried for weeks, and then I was angry. Angry that the breeder didn’t tell me that she might get this disease… angry that I loved her so much and had to lose her. I think I’m still in shock over losing her and I still cry when I look at her pictures or when I try to tell her story (like right now).
I’m still angry. I want this disease cured. It’s horrible to watch these little dogs suffer like they do with this disease. We miss our little Dolly so much and don’t want her death to be in vain. I sincerely hope someone finds a cure for this disease soon. PLEASE, PLEASE ask the breeder if they have tested for this disease before you buy a pug. You’ll save yourself a lot of heartache in the long run.
I think if I would’ve known that Dolly was going to get this disease, I would have bought her regardless. I did my very best to give her the best life possible. She didn’t deserve to die at the young age of 4, but she had 4 of the best years a pug could ever dream of. Hug your pugs every day, every chance you get, and give them all the love you can. They deserve it… and believe me, they will give it back ten fold.
Until next time,
Pug hugs and Kisses,
Candy
