Email us  

Pug Dog Encephalitis

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) 

Overview 

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) falls under the category of necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME) and is a neurological brain disorder that causes rapid onset lesions on the brain, swelling of the brain and death of brain cells, and unfortunately is fatal in all cases. 

At one time, it was thought to perhaps be connected to a virus, allergen, or environmental factors; but these have all been ruled out. It is now classified as a form of autoimmune disease.

NME first starting appearing with Pugs in the 1970’s in the United States. Since 1989, it started appearing with a few other breeds and is now seen both in the US and across Europe. 

The disease affects the brain slightly differently with each dog breed that it appears in. For example, how much grey matter (where all the synapses are) or white matter (connects areas of grey matter to each other and carries nerve impulses) of the brain is affected or where the lesions on the brain are likely to appear.  

With Pugs, in most cases (94%), at least one lesion is found on the telencephalon area of the brain, lesions are most common on the middle and caudal prosencephalon areas of the brain and the occipital and parietal lobes of the brain have the most severe lesions. And, with Pugs, this disease either most affects white matter or affects both white and gray matter equally. 

Occurrence Rate

This strikes approximately 1.2% of Pugs (1.2 out of 100). There may be a heredity factor since it is often seen in related dogs (siblings in a litter). 

Age of Onset

Age of onset is generally between the ages of 2 and 3 years old; though, but the age range of when this can strike is any time starting as young as 6-weeks-old. Though this can affect Pugs of all colors, female fawn Pugs under the age of 7 tend to be at the highest risk. 

Testing for Susceptibility 

A marker (the dog leukocyte antigen [DLA] region of dog chromosome 12) for NME has been identified by the University of California, Davis and now testing kits are available to see if Pugs have the markers that make them prone to developing NME. Pugs that have two identical copies of the NME associated markers have an observed risk for NME in their lifetime over those that have only one or no copies of these markers.  

Note that this is not a diagnostic test for the disease but rather is a method of identifying the likelihood of a Pug developing PDE. This is an invaluable pre-breeding test that all breeders, both large and small, should be aware of. 

Symptoms

This is an often rapidly-moving disease that causes fatal swelling of the brain. Signs include:
  • Severe seizures are the main (and sometimes only) symptom of PDE; however, it is important to note that seizure activity in Pugs does not necessarily mean that a Pug has PDE. 
  • There may also be lethargy and a loss of muscle control. 
  • Pacing in circles right before a seizure has been observed. 
  • There may be ‘head pressing’, in which a dog presses his head into a wall, pillow, or other surfaces. 
  • In some instances, the Pug will show signs of agitation and in very rare cases, aggression. 
  • Less common symptoms (seen in conjunction with seizures, not on their own) include signs of a stiff neck, an odd tilt to the head, confusion, depression, and/or loss of vision. 

Two Classifications of PDE

Slow Progression: The dog suffers from seizures with or without additional symptoms beforehand. The seizures last from just a couple of seconds to several minutes. These will occur every few days. In between, the Pug feels and behaves normally. Seizures become severe; a dog is usually euthanized to prevent suffering. 

Rapid Progression: Seizures are more frequent. In between the seizures, the Pug does not feel or behave as normal; other issues most commonly seen are confusion, loss of muscle control, and lethargy. Seizures become severe; a dog is usually euthanized to prevent suffering.

How this is Diagnosed

Because seizures associated with PDE are so frequent and so severe, diagnosis is based partially in observations of clinical symptoms. MR imaging and or CSF analysis (testing of spinal fluid) may also be performed.

Prognosis 

Sadly, in either case of slow or rapid progression PDE, this is always fatal. If a Pug does not directly die from this, it is often because of veterinary intervention in which the dog is euthanized to prevent suffering. On average, euthanasia is performed 21 days after onset of symptoms.

Palliative Care

At this time, the only available treatment involves attempts to help ease suffering. This may include anticonvulsants (such as Primidone or K-BroVet) though this does not stop PDE, steroids to help with brain inflammation, and at-home care such as bed rest.  
Did you find this article to be helpful?

If so, you'll appreciate having PetPugDog's GIANT Book of Pug Care  which is available as both a hard copy (8.5 x 11" soft cover) and ebook (PDF). 
Stay Informed:

Become a free PetPugDog Member - Receive reminders when we add new pages of information. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about; we always look to Member suggestions.
Other helpful articles:

Pug Dog Grooming - An overview of every grooming task that needs to be done to keep a Pug clean and well-groomed. 
Pug Separation Anxiety - Ways to help a Pug cope better, stay occupied, and be more relaxed when home alone. 
Taking Care of a Pug's Teeth - It's very important to keep your Pug's teeth clean and free of plaque. This can usually be accomplished at home if these tasks are done on time. 
Pug Dog has a Bad Odor - A list of the possible reasons why a Pug may smell bad and exactly how to remedy this. 
Pug Wrinkle Care - The facial folds of this breed need to be kept clean and dry or yeast infections can develop. Read how to care for the wrinkles and treat possible issues. 
Share by: