common pug dog diseases and conditions
By: B C JensenBilateral Cataracts:
Cataracts in dogs can be identified as opaque spots on the lens of the
eye.
These spots may cause total or partial loss of vision. Some cataracts
are hereditary while others are not. In some cases surgery may help the
dog recover.
Corneal Ulcers (aka indolent ulcer, recurrent corneal erosion, or ulcerative
keratitis):
Any scratch or injury to a dog's eye can result in an ulcer.
Ulcers must be treated by a veterinarian immediately or there will be
some loss of sight. Only a veterinarian can determine the best treatment
or combination of treatments for your dog. Some lines of pugs appear to
have more eye problems than others.
Demodectic skin mites (Demodectic mange):
Pugs have a high incidence of demodectic mange, especially when they are
still puppies. Mange does require a veterinarian to treat it.
When demodectic mange occurs it may take one of two forms.
The localized, squamous form usually occurs in dogs under one year old.
It causes small (about one inch diameter) patches of hair loss exposing
healthy looking patches of skin. These patches often occur on the face
or forelegs. Hair loss around the eyes may also be seen, The hair loss
appears gradually, and after the patches have reached their maximum size,
hair begins to regrow in about a month. It is imperative that caution
is exercised : localized Demodex and ringworm may be confused, and some
cases of localized Demodex progress to the generalized form.
Generalized cases of demodectic mange may occur in dogs of any age. Instead
of a few small patches of hair loss, as is seen in the localized form,
the loss becomes a large area and the exposed skin often becomes infected
with bacteria. Generalized demodectic mange can be extremely difficult
to treat and in some cases can be fatal. Professional veterinary help
is needed if you suspect your dog might have this type of mange.
Distichiasis:
Some dogs have a double row of eyelashes.
These double eyelashes normally occur on the lower eyelid. Their presence
causes irritation of the eye similar to that of Entropion. Surgery is
required for correction.
Dry Eye (Keratoconjunctivitus sicca):
While normal dog eyes are lusterous - dogs with dry eye have eyes lacking
in luster and appear textured.
This condition is caused by the lack of tear production. This can be due
to lack of nerve stimulation of the tear glands, failure of the tear glands,
or blockage of the ducts that carry the tears to the eyes. Full diagnosis
can only be performed by a Veterinarian to determine the cause. Treatment
will be dependant upon the cause and severity of the condition.
Elongated Soft Palate:
The soft palate is a continuation of the palate forming the roof of the
mouth. If a dog is born with this structure being too long, it can restrict
the airflow into your Pug's lungs. This condition can be evaluated under
anesthsia by a veterinarian. This condition can frequently be surgically
corrected.
Encephalitis:
Encephalitis is the medical term for inflammation of the brain which can
cause seizures.
This is a very serious condition and should only be diagnosed and treated
by a veterinarian.
Entropion:
Simplified entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid(s), usually resulting
in the eyelashes or hair rubbing the surface of the eye.
This rubbing can cause irritation, ulceration, or minor scratches. This
condition is serious. The irritation can cause swelling which further
complicates the condition, therefore early treatment is critical. Surgical
correction is the most common course of action.
Generalized Progressive Retinal Atrophy:
PRA is a hereditary eye disease causing the breakdown of the cells of
the retina.
The breakdown is gradual leading to mid-life (age 5-7) blindness. Many
breeders have their dogs screened for this condition.
Hip Dysplasia:
The hip joint is a ball and socket connection.
If the joint is malformed the head of the femur will not properly align
with the cup of the hip socket. This misalignment can range from mild
to severe. In mild cases, with proper diet and exercise the animal can
lead a full and active life. In more severe cases surgical correction
or euthanasia are the only alternatives. The most common indications of
hip dysplasia, in small dogs, is when the dog older. Generally with this
late-life onset surgical correction is never required. Your veterinarian
can X-ray your dog's hips for evaluation.
Legg-Calve Perthes disease:
This condition is due to improper blood flow leading to the destruction
of the femoral head (ball head) in the hip joint.
This condition frequently occurs between the ages of six months to one
year. Surgical removal of the femural head is the most common treatment.
Pigmentary Keratitis :
At the onset it looks like a small black or dark brown glob of pigment
that begins on the white of the eye in the inside corners. It will gradually
grow and spread across the eye completely covering it, the brown pigment
blocks the vision and the pug cannot see through it - rendering the dog
blind.
Slipped Stifles (patellar luxation) :
The patella (kneecap) is a small bone which guards the knee joint. The
patella sits in a grove in the femur, and is held in place by a combination
of ligaments and muscles. This bone can slip out of position due to injury,
poor alingment, weak ligaments, or insufficient grove in the femur. Generally
the dog will limp, carry the leg off the ground, or hop when running.
If the problem is severe it can necessitate surgery.
Patellar luxation can be either hereditary or due to injury.
Stenotic Nares:
Simplified Stenotic Nares is narrow or restricted nostrils.
This restriction puts a strain on the dog's system and can lead to an
enlarged heart. Some of the indications are that the dog tends to mouth
breathe or a foamy nasal discharge. Surgical correction can enlarge the
nasal opening alleviating complications related to this condition.
Trichiasis:
Trichiasis is ingrown eyelashes of the upper eyelid, causing irritation
of the eye.
This condition can be surgically corrected.
