CONGENITAL AND INHERITABLE DISORDERS
Allergies, Dogs can be allergic to things they come in contact with, eat or inhale. Avoid foods with corn, wheat and fillers.
Atopy allergy the cause is environmental. This can include acute reactions such as hives following a bee sting, or the more
chronic reaction of hot spots or itching and hair loss.
Cervical disc disease, degeneration or malformation of the cushioning discs between the spinal column bones (vertebrae) in the
neck. Dogs are most often affected; rarely cats may develop a similar disease process. Male dogs are more likely to have disk
degeneration than females. Factors that increase the risk of disk degeneration include genetic predisposition, excessive weight,
and lack of muscular fitness. Breeds genetically predisposed to degenerative disk disease include those affected with
chondrodystrophy, or abnormal cartilage development. Affected breeds include dachshunds, beagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese,
French bull dogs, basset hounds, Welsh corgis, small poodles and other mixed-chondrodystrophoid breeds. Large, older dogs
without chondrodystrophy may also develop degenerative disk disease.
Cleft Palate is a developmental defect present at birth where the roof of the mouth fails to form properly. There is a gap in the
roof of the mouth along mid line visible at birth. Dog cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly
during the embryonic stage of development. It can just be the soft tissue, in which case it is only cosmetic defect, but if the hard
palate is affected, a puppy usually dies. It can be congenital or result from intoxication resulting from using steroids (cortisones),
Vitamin A in overdosages, and some antibiotics. A cleft palate can be corrected surgically, however the puppy must be old
enough to undergo an anesthesia.
Collapsed trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings that make up the trachea are malformed and tend to collapse easily.
Tracheal Collapse is a narrowing of the trachea (windpipe) due to softening of the cartilage rings in the trachea in Pug breed and
other toy and miniature dog breeds. Symptoms include a cough, especially after exercise, noisy breathing and gagging.
Treatment consists of conservative therapy or, in severe cases, surgery and is a serious health problem..
Corneal dystrophy is an abnormality of the cornea usually characterized by shallow pits in the surface. 9.Corneal ulcer, suerficial:
an erosion of the outer membrane and outer surface of the cornea. Confusion often arises over the use of the term "corneal
dystrophy" in dogs. Technically, "corneal dystrophies" are diseases of the cornea that are bilateral, non-inflammatory and
inherited(*1,2). The confusion arises because the term "corneal dystrophy" is sometimes used to refer to a disease with similar
clinical signs but is not hereditary. A more appropriate term for the non-inherited conditions is corneal degeneration.
Cystitis there are many causes of cystitis, which is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. More common causes include a
bacterial infection of the urinary tract, bladder stones, polyps, tumors, and an anatomical defect called a diverticulum, which is a
tiny pocket in the bladder wall that retains urine. Cystitis causes a wide range of problems with urination. Some dogs may strain
to urinate, urinate more frequently, or become incontinent. Blood also may appear in the urine. Depending on the cause of the
inflammation, the cystitis may be treated through a variety of methods. Often, dogs will recover from the disease, but animals
that develop cystitis because of a tumor carry a guarded prognosis.
Demodicosis a kind of skin disease (mange) caused by microscopic Demodex canis mites living within the skin layers and
producing an immunodeficiency syndrome.
Dermatitis, atopic inflammation and subsequent infection of the skin due to atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis,
canine atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise
harmless substance, an "allergen," such as dust mites or pollen. Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3
years of age. Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, several breeds, including golden retrievers, most terriers, Irish setters,
Lhasa apsos, Dalmatians, bulldogs and Old English sheep dogs are more commonly atopic, but many dogs, including mixed
breed dogs can have atopic dermatitis. The incidence is increasing both in man and animals.
Dystocia complications of the birth process (difficult birth).
Elongated soft palate A problem that is frequently seen in pugs is called, elongated soft palate. The soft palate is a flap of
mucousal tissue which closes off the animal's airway (nasopharynx) during swallowing to prevent foods and liquids from going
into their lungs. n dogs with an elongated soft palate, the palate overlaps the epiglottis to a considerable degree, partially
obstructing the animal's airway during breathing. This is manifested by snorting, snoring, strider, gurgling and gagging. The
obstruction is worse with exercise.
Epilepsy a disease characterized by convulsions (seizures) and/or disturbances of consciousness.
Hip dysplasia is a developmental malformation or subluxation of the hip joints. This often crippling health problem is more seen
in large breeds that in small, but occurs in almost every breed, including Pug. The cause is not absolutely known though it is
believed to be hereditary and as yet there is no cure. In general, hip dysplasia can be described as a poor fit between the two
bones of the hip joint - the femur and the acetabulum - and is caused by malformation of one or the other. either the head of the
femur is flattened causing it to slip out of the socket, or a shallowness of the acetabulum causes the femur to slip out. HD causes
stiffness in the hindlegs, considerable pain in the more severe cases and difficulty of movement. It generally manifests itself in
puppyhood and can be noticed by the time the young dog is two months of age.
Legg-Perthes disease is a disease where the blood vessels feeding the femoral head (top part of the thigh bone) shrink, leading
to starvation and death of the femoral head (the ball of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip). Also called Legg-Calve'- Perthes
disease. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP disease) is a bone disease of young, small breed dogs, usually those weighing less than
24 pounds, in which the growing end of a bone dies and then is gradually replaced over a period of years. The immediate cause
of bone death is loss of blood supply. Both sexes are affected, but males suffer 4 times more often than females. LCP usually
occurs in puppies between four and twelve months of age.
Luxating Patellas are loose kneecaps. In a dog with mildly Luxating patella’s the patella, or kneecap, rides correctly on the
groove of the stifle joint most of the times. In a dog with severely Luxating Patella’s, the kneecap has slipped out of the groove
most of the time. When a dog luxates its patella it may carry the leg briefly, or stop and stretch the leg backwards in an attempt
to reseat the patella. The patellar or kneecap is usually located directly in the centre of the knee joint. Luxation, or dislocation of
the patellar, occurs when the patellar slides out of its groove. In most cases, luxation is a congenital condition (that appears at
birth), but it may appear some time later. It is thought to be inherited although the exact mode of transmission has not been
determined. In some cases, the condition is acquired through trauma. An affected dog can lame occasionally, or walk on three
legs. Sometimes, a dog will show pain and hold his leg up. Surgery is the treatment of choice as it is a serious health problem.
Pug Dog Encephalitis know as PDE which is a fatal seizure disorder exclusive to the Pug. The exact cause has yet to be found.
Dogs with PDE can exhibit seizures, progressive paralysis, periodic blindness, coma, and sudden death. The disease can be
rapidly or slowly progressive. Some dogs even have temporary remissions. Dogs with PDE usually fail to respond to
anticonvulsant therapy and progress to coma and death or elective euthanasia when symptoms are uncontrollable. To date, the
only completely accurate diagnosis is postmortem examination of the brain. A tentative diagnosis of PDE is supported by ruling
out other possible diseases, a characteristic white blood cell profile in cerebral spinal fluid that is seen in some PDE cases, or by
magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Pug dog encephalitis is one of the inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system
(CNS) which cause seizures in dogs: canine distemper, rabies, toxoplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and several other
diseases. If a dog of less than 1 or greater than 5 years of age suffers persistent seizures, it should be thoroughly examined and
tested for these neurological disorders.
Seizure Disorders Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified into several
categories.
GENERALIZED (GRAND MAL) SEIZURES - This is the most common form of seizure in small animals. The entire body is
involved in stiffness and possibly stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/clonic action). The animal loses consciousness and may
urinate or defecate.
PARTIAL SEIZURES - This form of seizure originates from some specific area in the brain and thus involves the activity of a
specific region of the body. Partial seizures may "generalize" to involve the whole body.
PSYCHOMOTOR SEIZURES - This type of seizure is predominantly behavioral with the animal involuntarily howling,
snapping, circling, etc. The abnormal behavior may be followed by a generalized seizure.
Seizures (neurological events) are often difficult to tell from fainting spells (cardiovascular events). Classically, true seizures are
preceded by an aura, or special feeling associated with a coming seizure. As animals cannot speak, we usually do not notice any
changes associated with the aura. The seizure is typically followed by a post-ictal period during which the animal appears
disoriented, even blind. This period may last only a few minutes or may last several hours. Fainting animals are usually up and
normal within seconds of the spell.
Spondylosis a malformation of the vertebrae.
Stenotic nares a condition where the openings of the nose (nares) are too small. This condition should not be determined until
the pup has reached the age of 1 yr old.
Atopy allergy the cause is environmental. This can include acute reactions such as hives following a bee sting, or the more
chronic reaction of hot spots or itching and hair loss.
Cervical disc disease, degeneration or malformation of the cushioning discs between the spinal column bones (vertebrae) in the
neck. Dogs are most often affected; rarely cats may develop a similar disease process. Male dogs are more likely to have disk
degeneration than females. Factors that increase the risk of disk degeneration include genetic predisposition, excessive weight,
and lack of muscular fitness. Breeds genetically predisposed to degenerative disk disease include those affected with
chondrodystrophy, or abnormal cartilage development. Affected breeds include dachshunds, beagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese,
French bull dogs, basset hounds, Welsh corgis, small poodles and other mixed-chondrodystrophoid breeds. Large, older dogs
without chondrodystrophy may also develop degenerative disk disease.
Cleft Palate is a developmental defect present at birth where the roof of the mouth fails to form properly. There is a gap in the
roof of the mouth along mid line visible at birth. Dog cleft palate is a failure of the two sides of the palate to fuse correctly
during the embryonic stage of development. It can just be the soft tissue, in which case it is only cosmetic defect, but if the hard
palate is affected, a puppy usually dies. It can be congenital or result from intoxication resulting from using steroids (cortisones),
Vitamin A in overdosages, and some antibiotics. A cleft palate can be corrected surgically, however the puppy must be old
enough to undergo an anesthesia.
Collapsed trachea is a condition where the cartilage rings that make up the trachea are malformed and tend to collapse easily.
Tracheal Collapse is a narrowing of the trachea (windpipe) due to softening of the cartilage rings in the trachea in Pug breed and
other toy and miniature dog breeds. Symptoms include a cough, especially after exercise, noisy breathing and gagging.
Treatment consists of conservative therapy or, in severe cases, surgery and is a serious health problem..
Corneal dystrophy is an abnormality of the cornea usually characterized by shallow pits in the surface. 9.Corneal ulcer, suerficial:
an erosion of the outer membrane and outer surface of the cornea. Confusion often arises over the use of the term "corneal
dystrophy" in dogs. Technically, "corneal dystrophies" are diseases of the cornea that are bilateral, non-inflammatory and
inherited(*1,2). The confusion arises because the term "corneal dystrophy" is sometimes used to refer to a disease with similar
clinical signs but is not hereditary. A more appropriate term for the non-inherited conditions is corneal degeneration.
Cystitis there are many causes of cystitis, which is an inflammation of the urinary bladder. More common causes include a
bacterial infection of the urinary tract, bladder stones, polyps, tumors, and an anatomical defect called a diverticulum, which is a
tiny pocket in the bladder wall that retains urine. Cystitis causes a wide range of problems with urination. Some dogs may strain
to urinate, urinate more frequently, or become incontinent. Blood also may appear in the urine. Depending on the cause of the
inflammation, the cystitis may be treated through a variety of methods. Often, dogs will recover from the disease, but animals
that develop cystitis because of a tumor carry a guarded prognosis.
Demodicosis a kind of skin disease (mange) caused by microscopic Demodex canis mites living within the skin layers and
producing an immunodeficiency syndrome.
Dermatitis, atopic inflammation and subsequent infection of the skin due to atopy. Canine atopic dermatitis (allergic dermatitis,
canine atopy) is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms following repeated exposure to some otherwise
harmless substance, an "allergen," such as dust mites or pollen. Most dogs begin to show their allergic signs between 1 and 3
years of age. Due to the hereditary nature of the disease, several breeds, including golden retrievers, most terriers, Irish setters,
Lhasa apsos, Dalmatians, bulldogs and Old English sheep dogs are more commonly atopic, but many dogs, including mixed
breed dogs can have atopic dermatitis. The incidence is increasing both in man and animals.
Dystocia complications of the birth process (difficult birth).
Elongated soft palate A problem that is frequently seen in pugs is called, elongated soft palate. The soft palate is a flap of
mucousal tissue which closes off the animal's airway (nasopharynx) during swallowing to prevent foods and liquids from going
into their lungs. n dogs with an elongated soft palate, the palate overlaps the epiglottis to a considerable degree, partially
obstructing the animal's airway during breathing. This is manifested by snorting, snoring, strider, gurgling and gagging. The
obstruction is worse with exercise.
Epilepsy a disease characterized by convulsions (seizures) and/or disturbances of consciousness.
Hip dysplasia is a developmental malformation or subluxation of the hip joints. This often crippling health problem is more seen
in large breeds that in small, but occurs in almost every breed, including Pug. The cause is not absolutely known though it is
believed to be hereditary and as yet there is no cure. In general, hip dysplasia can be described as a poor fit between the two
bones of the hip joint - the femur and the acetabulum - and is caused by malformation of one or the other. either the head of the
femur is flattened causing it to slip out of the socket, or a shallowness of the acetabulum causes the femur to slip out. HD causes
stiffness in the hindlegs, considerable pain in the more severe cases and difficulty of movement. It generally manifests itself in
puppyhood and can be noticed by the time the young dog is two months of age.
Legg-Perthes disease is a disease where the blood vessels feeding the femoral head (top part of the thigh bone) shrink, leading
to starvation and death of the femoral head (the ball of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip). Also called Legg-Calve'- Perthes
disease. Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (LCP disease) is a bone disease of young, small breed dogs, usually those weighing less than
24 pounds, in which the growing end of a bone dies and then is gradually replaced over a period of years. The immediate cause
of bone death is loss of blood supply. Both sexes are affected, but males suffer 4 times more often than females. LCP usually
occurs in puppies between four and twelve months of age.
Luxating Patellas are loose kneecaps. In a dog with mildly Luxating patella’s the patella, or kneecap, rides correctly on the
groove of the stifle joint most of the times. In a dog with severely Luxating Patella’s, the kneecap has slipped out of the groove
most of the time. When a dog luxates its patella it may carry the leg briefly, or stop and stretch the leg backwards in an attempt
to reseat the patella. The patellar or kneecap is usually located directly in the centre of the knee joint. Luxation, or dislocation of
the patellar, occurs when the patellar slides out of its groove. In most cases, luxation is a congenital condition (that appears at
birth), but it may appear some time later. It is thought to be inherited although the exact mode of transmission has not been
determined. In some cases, the condition is acquired through trauma. An affected dog can lame occasionally, or walk on three
legs. Sometimes, a dog will show pain and hold his leg up. Surgery is the treatment of choice as it is a serious health problem.
Pug Dog Encephalitis know as PDE which is a fatal seizure disorder exclusive to the Pug. The exact cause has yet to be found.
Dogs with PDE can exhibit seizures, progressive paralysis, periodic blindness, coma, and sudden death. The disease can be
rapidly or slowly progressive. Some dogs even have temporary remissions. Dogs with PDE usually fail to respond to
anticonvulsant therapy and progress to coma and death or elective euthanasia when symptoms are uncontrollable. To date, the
only completely accurate diagnosis is postmortem examination of the brain. A tentative diagnosis of PDE is supported by ruling
out other possible diseases, a characteristic white blood cell profile in cerebral spinal fluid that is seen in some PDE cases, or by
magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. Pug dog encephalitis is one of the inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system
(CNS) which cause seizures in dogs: canine distemper, rabies, toxoplasmosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and several other
diseases. If a dog of less than 1 or greater than 5 years of age suffers persistent seizures, it should be thoroughly examined and
tested for these neurological disorders.
Seizure Disorders Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified into several
categories.
GENERALIZED (GRAND MAL) SEIZURES - This is the most common form of seizure in small animals. The entire body is
involved in stiffness and possibly stiffness/contraction cycles (tonic/clonic action). The animal loses consciousness and may
urinate or defecate.
PARTIAL SEIZURES - This form of seizure originates from some specific area in the brain and thus involves the activity of a
specific region of the body. Partial seizures may "generalize" to involve the whole body.
PSYCHOMOTOR SEIZURES - This type of seizure is predominantly behavioral with the animal involuntarily howling,
snapping, circling, etc. The abnormal behavior may be followed by a generalized seizure.
Seizures (neurological events) are often difficult to tell from fainting spells (cardiovascular events). Classically, true seizures are
preceded by an aura, or special feeling associated with a coming seizure. As animals cannot speak, we usually do not notice any
changes associated with the aura. The seizure is typically followed by a post-ictal period during which the animal appears
disoriented, even blind. This period may last only a few minutes or may last several hours. Fainting animals are usually up and
normal within seconds of the spell.
Spondylosis a malformation of the vertebrae.
Stenotic nares a condition where the openings of the nose (nares) are too small. This condition should not be determined until
the pup has reached the age of 1 yr old.
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| It is important to remember that no dog breed is 100% free from genetic disorders and understanding these congenital and inheritable disorders and taking measures to eliminate them are the duty of a responsible breeder. Our Pugs are given full health checks, x-rays and tested twice a year included but not limited to eyes, should any disorders arise they are immediately spayed and/or neutered. |
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As with any breed, the Pug is not without problems, and many of these are directly related to the dog's structure.
The Pug's eyes bulge somewhat and can get scratched, you pup can have eyelid or eyelash abnormalities. Tooth and gum problems are
also possible with this breed because of the slightly undershot jaw. Owners should examine the mouth of a growing pup to make sure
baby teeth are not retained and to watch for mouth tumors. Brushing the teeth is strongly recommended to prevent gum disease. The
following is a partial list of potential medical problems associated with the Pug breed. Not every Pug will have one, or any of these
problems. It is imperative that when obtaining a puppy that you do so from a responsible, reputable breeder, and then have the puppy
checked by your vet. Some of these conditions have more detailed information within our medical section . Click on the link for further
details.
The Pug's eyes bulge somewhat and can get scratched, you pup can have eyelid or eyelash abnormalities. Tooth and gum problems are
also possible with this breed because of the slightly undershot jaw. Owners should examine the mouth of a growing pup to make sure
baby teeth are not retained and to watch for mouth tumors. Brushing the teeth is strongly recommended to prevent gum disease. The
following is a partial list of potential medical problems associated with the Pug breed. Not every Pug will have one, or any of these
problems. It is imperative that when obtaining a puppy that you do so from a responsible, reputable breeder, and then have the puppy
checked by your vet. Some of these conditions have more detailed information within our medical section . Click on the link for further
details.
| For more information on these medical disorders visit Pug Medical Care by Jennie Bullock Additional information on more inherited diseases, Canine Inherited Database is also available. |