Pug Health

The average life span of a healthy pug is usually between 10 – 15 years. However, just as with humans, dog health issues can arise from time to time. Standard vet heath checks will NOT detect the following conditions, and they are not always apparent in puppies. Responsible breeders who care about the future health of the breed will health test/screen their dogs prior to breeding. 

Some of the main health issues that pugs can sometimes be affected with are:

Hemivertebrae

Most dogs’ normally have between 49 & 53 vertebrae, depending on their tail length. However brachycephalic (short faced), screw tailed breeds  such as the French Bulldog, the English Bulldog, Boston Terriers & Pugs have 10 to 15 fewer vertebrae in the tail region of their spine. The twist in their tail is caused by a malformation of the vertebrae called Hemivertebrae. Hemivertebrae in the tail region of the spine is perfectly normal in these particular breeds, and does not cause any problems. However if Hemivertebrae develops anywhere else along their spine, it can cause the spine of the dog to twist. (Illustrated in the picture above)

In many cases, if only a single vertebra is affected, no clinical problems are ever seen and the dogs remain A-symptomatic and healthy for the rest of their lives. However If more than one vertebra is affected, the probability of clinical problems increases. The more vertebrae that are affected, the greater the degree of curvature in the spine is likely to be, and the risk of spinal cord damage is increased. If severely affected, symptoms can present as early as four months old.

Mode of inheritance is currently unknown, symptoms include pain and or loss of sensation, weakness, muscle wastage, loss of bladder and bowel control, and paralysis in the hind limbs, particularly if the spinal cord becomes damaged. Any body part which receives its nerve supply from the damaged/twisted part of the spine could be affect                  

It is recommends that, prior to breeding pugs should be X-rayed to determine whether or not they have any affected vertebrae in their spine. Breeders are advised to only breed from dogs which are as clear as possible. Whilst X-Rays are not able to identify carriers of this condition,(IE Carriers = dogs that may potentially produce affected offspring) it is hoped that by following these recommendations  the number of affected puppies being produced should be reduced.

PDE -Pug Dog Encephalitis 

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) is an inflammatory disease of the brain and central nervous system. This disease is a genetic condition which is specific to pugs; symptoms include seizures, depression, ataxia (a staggering walk), abnormal gait and blindness. It is a rapidly progressing disorder for which there is no cure, and is invariably fatal. All dogs either die or are put to sleep within a few months after the onset of clinical signs. Female pugs are slightly more likely to be affected compared to males. The majority of affected pugs are less than 3 years old, and pugs as young as 6 months can show clinical signs/be affected.

The DNA/Genetic test that is available does NOT diagnose PDE; but it determines the risk each individual pug dog has for developing it during its lifetime. The results for each dog would be as follows: 

There are NO CLEAR dogs. an N/N result does NOT mean clear!!

• N/N - Pugs that have no copies of the NME/PDE associated markers = (N/N) are at low risk of developing the disease.
• N/S - Pugs that have only one copy of the NME/PDE associated markers = (NS) are also at low risk of developing the disease.
• S/S - Dogs that have two copies of the NME/PDE associated markers. These dogs are at higher risk of developing/being affected by NME/PDE. 

These test results can be used by breeders to carefully select mating's so that they can avoid producing S/S status puppies which would have a higher risk of developing/being affected by NME/PDE.

Patella Luxation

Patella Luxation, otherwise known as dislocating kneecap(s) is a common condition seen in dogs, particularly amongst small and toy breeds. It can sometimes be caused by trauma to the leg, over exercise when young, obesity and or an inadequate diet, but is sometimes hereditary.

Patellar luxation testing is done by a vet via manipulationis of the kneecaps, grading is done on a scale of 0 (Normal) to 4 (severe), using the Putnam (1968) testing and scoring method.

Grade 0 - Not affected.

Grade 1 luxation can often go UN noticed, and usually needs no treatment other than weight management, and gentle exercise.

With a Grade 2 luxation, the dog will probably be showing occasional symptoms of lameness. Grade 2 does not always require surgery and can often be managed, by a combination of things. Gentle, but regular up hill road walking to build up strength in the muscles and ligaments in the hind legs, and ensuring that the dog is getting and appropriate diet and is not carrying any excess weight.

Grades 3 & 4 will require referral to an orthopaedic vet, and in most cases will need to be surgically corrected/repaired. The Cost of surgery, plus the referral and consultation fee`s will vary depending on what part of the country you live in, but as an approximation, costs can be anything from £2000-£3500 per leg.

DM (Degenerative Myelopathy) & PDM (Pug Dog Myelopathy) are two separate conditions.

DM (Degenerative Myelopathy)→ has a DNA test  for the (SOD1 mutation).  

DM is a progressive degeneration of the spinal cord, somewhat analogous to motor neuron diseases in people. Dogs gradually lose coordination and strength in their hindquarters. There is no cure, and progression is usually relentless.

Typical onset: 8–14 years 

Most common: around 9–11 years

Diagnosis is usually based on the DNA test results, plus clinical signs and exclusion of other diseases. 

PDM (Pug Dog Myelopathy)→  Currently has no specific genetic screening test. 

It appears to be a complex spinal cord disease unique to Pugs. Research suggests it may involve chronic spinal cord compression, inflammation, fibrosis, and abnormalities of the vertebrae and meninges. It can look very similar to DM clinically, but it is not the same disease.

Typical onset: 4–10 years 

Most common: around 6–8 years 

Diagnosis is usually based on neurological examination, MRI, and ruling out other conditions.  

The DM DNA test for the (SOD1 mutation) is useful for breeding decisions, but it does not screen for Pug Myelopathy. 

A Pug can:

• Test clear for DM and still develop Pug Myelopathy. 
• Test at risk for (DM/DM) and never develop clinical DM. 

Eye Ulcers

Due to their large eyes and flat faces Pugs and many other brachycephalic breeds can quite easily scratch the surface of their eyes whilst on a walk, in the garden snuffling amongst plants/bushes or even just playing with another dog, and if UN noticed and left untreated this can lead to them having eye ulcers. In extreme cases when treatment may have been sought too late, this can even lead to them having to have the affected eye removed. Pugs eyes must be checked on a regular basis, and if excessive tearing, blinking or clouding of the eye is noticed vet treatment must be sought as soon as possible. 

BOAS (Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome)

BOAS is a condition that can affect short-muzzled breeds such as the Pug, French Bulldog and Bulldog. It refers to a combination of anatomical abnormalities that can obstruct airflow and make breathing more difficult.

There is now a BOAS testing scheme available to breeders through the UK Kennel Club and Respiratory Function Grading (RFG) Scheme. Dogs are assessed and awarded a grade ranging from Grade 0 (clinically unaffected) to Grade 3 (clinically affected).

It is extremely important that breeders assess and grade their breeding dogs and, wherever possible, breed only from those that are least affected. Although the inheritance of BOAS is not yet fully understood and remains difficult to predict in some cases, we hope that the testing and grading of breeding stock will help reduce the incidence of BOAS and improve respiratory health in future generations.

Whilst we cannot completely eliminate the risk of BOAS, we believe that responsible health testing and careful breeding decisions offer the best opportunity to minimise the likelihood of puppies developing breathing difficulties later in life.