What are Pug Dog Encephalitis?
Pug dogs are recognized worldwide for their pushed-in faces, globular, expressive eyes and sparkling personalities. While the breed standard includes silver and black Pugs, the most common coloration is fawn with a black mask and ears. This adorable, spirited breed makes a wonderful family pet, but unfortunately is associated with a rare neurological disease, Pug dog encephalitis (PDE). This disease is only found in Pugs, and is most likely fatal.
Encephalitis is the inflammation of the brain tissue that tends to strike adolescent Pugs between two and three years of age. PDE is idiopathic, meaning that the cause of the disease is not entirely clear. In many cases, PDE appears to strike dogs who are closely related, leading many veterinarians to believe that the disease is genetic and likely immune-mediated. An immune-mediated disease is characterized by an abnormal immune response, such as when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissue. In the case of this rare, fast-moving disease, the Pug’s immune system attacks the brain.
While PDE is a difficult disease to definitively diagnose, associated symptoms (such as seizures) will be neurological in nature. Seizure activity, though having a high incidence in the symptomology of PDE, may point to other medical problems such as epilepsy, a tumor, or toxic chemical or gas poisoning. No matter the cause, a seizure in your pet calls for an immediate veterinary visit.
Pug encephalitis (PDE) is a rare, neurological disease that typically strikes adolescent Pugs under the age of three. While the cause of the disease isn’t clear, PDE appears to have a genetic link.
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Symptoms of Pug Dog Encephalitis in Dogs
- Behavioral changes
- Seizures
- Neck stiffness
- Head tilt
- Pressing head against walls or object
- Disorientation or confusion
- Loss of coordination
- Walking in circles
- Depression
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Blindness
Types
Slow Progressive
This type features seizures and sometimes other symptoms preceding seizure activity. Seizures may last seconds or minutes. In between seizures, the Pug will likely resume normal behavior and be asymptomatic.
Rapid Progressive
This type often, but not always, features more frequent seizure activity than in slow progressive PDE. In between the seizure activity, however, the dog does not return to normal, but continues to display PDE-associated symptoms. These commonly include disorientation, lack of muscle coordination, trouble walking, confusion, and signs of depression.
Causes of Pug Dog Encephalitis in Dogs
- The cause of the disease is not entirely clear
- PDE appears to strike dogs who are closely related
- The disease may be
- The disease ay be immune-mediated
- An immune-mediated disease is characterized by an abnormal immune response, such as when the immune system mistakenly attacks normal tissue
Diagnosis of Pug Dog Encephalitis in Dogs
PDE is extremely difficult to diagnose, primarily because PDE symptoms often mirror epilepsy, bacterial meningitis, effects of a tumor or some type of poisoning. There is also evidence that female, fawn-colored Pugs under the age of three are most affected by PDE. Unfortunately, since PDE is often fast-moving and the survival rate is low (either PDE kills the Pug or the owner opts to euthanize), veterinarians may lack the time to perform diagnostic tests such as CAT scans or MRIs.
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Treatment of Pug Dog Encephalitis in Dogs
In the early stages of slow-progressive PDE, some owners pursue medical treatment for their Pug. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids may help to reduce inflammation of the brain and anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital aim to treat seizures (if part of PDE). Valium has also been used in veterinary medicine to reduce seizure activity. Based on personal experience, some Pug owners recommend trials of different alternative treatments, but such methods are not part of standard veterinary care for PDE. Ultimately, treatment should be given with a focus on the dog’s quality of life.
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Recovery of Pug Dog Encephalitis in Dogs
Sadly, the veterinary community regards PDE as an invariably fatal disease. A significant part of a veterinarian’s job is to give the pet owner a realistic picture of the months, or years, that typically lies ahead. The most humane choice may be putting the dog to sleep, but a veterinarian will discuss all available options.
While current cases of PDE are heartbreaking, there may be reasons to be hopeful about the future. Veterinary research activity is expanding as Pugs become more popular with people around the world. Current signs point to a genetic link, a discovery that may provide veterinary researchers with a plausible lead.
Pug Dog Encephalitis Average Cost
From 543 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,500
Average Cost
$1,600
Top
Pug Dog Encephalitis Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Pug
6 months
21 found this helpful
21 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizures,Walking In Circles,Off Balanced
My pug had a seizure one day and afterward was fine like nothing happened. About 4 days later she had 3 in a row in a 4 hour period. I took her to the vet where they did blood work that came back normal, then sent us home with Phenobarbital. She's been taking ever since and has not had a seizure since. Can this be PDE?
July 9, 2020
Answered by Dr. Sara O. DVM
21 Recommendations
Hello,
SO sorry to hear about your dog. PDE is very rare. Your vet can test your dog for this disease with genetic testing to see if that is what is causing this. This is more likely epilepsy and your dog will need to be on seizure medication for the rest of her life.
I hope your dog continues to do well.
July 9, 2020
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Puggle
Pugsley Addams
2 Years
7 found this helpful
7 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
2 year old male fawn pug. I woke up in the middle of the night and noticed that Pugsley had peed the bed in his sleep. He did not get up to pee or ask to go out, so it really scared me. He did not shake or display physical signs of a seizure - he was sleeping with me, and I would have felt it if he was shaking. He sometimes shakes in his sleep, but always stops when I wake him up, so I’ve always assumed he was just having puppy dreams. But now, I’m worried that he had a small seizure in his sleep, and that the seizure made him pee. He was shaking & shivering after I took him outside and cleaned him up, but otherwise, he was acting normal. Could he have had a seizure in his sleep, causing him to pee? Does any of this sound like encephalitis?
Sept. 2, 2018
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Pug
Louis
2 Years
5 found this helpful
5 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Lethargy
Panting
Inflamed Back
2 year old pug. I've noticed he's been sleeping more lately. About 2 days ago he jumped into my car and screamed as he did so (he has never ever screamed before nor ever when he jumps into my car which isn't high) after that he was afraid to jump out the car or for me to even carry him. I did end up carrying him out though. Later that night he kept hiding under the bed and sitting and panting hard. I eventually got him out and he slept w me but would still wake up and pant and sit sometimes. Took him to the vet the next morning and he said it's his back and it felt inflamed. He gave him a cortisone shot and also did X-rays, which he said looked normal. The rest of the day he seemed fine but tired. Took him for a walk later that evening and he semi rolled in the grass (normally he will do full roll overs) and seemed good but again very tired and panting again later on during the night. So I took him back to the vet the next morning to get blood test. Waiting for those results. But after googling I am petrified that he could have PDE. Why is his back inflamed? Is that normal if he some how pulled a muscle? He can be rambunctious sometimes. Should I do an MRI ?!?!?!
Aug. 17, 2018
5 Recommendations
Pug Dog Encephalitis is more likely to affect female fawn coloured Pugs than male non-fawn Pugs; however you should wait for any test results to come back and make a decision with your Veterinarian about the next diagnostic steps. There are genetic tests available, but these only show susceptibility not actual disease so not really reliable (more useful for breeding). Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 17, 2018
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Pug
Pebble
2 Years
9 found this helpful
9 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Blind
Blue Haze
Eating Reduction
I went to the vet today and they diagnosed Pebbles with severe dry eyes and prescribed me an ointment. I been researching and it has me worried that she may have encephilitis... She doesn't have seizures but her food and drinking habits habe slowed. Shes still a super energetic pug with a great personality and wanna stay stuck up your tail end. I just would wanna know now before it gets worse off if she does.. The other day she developed blindness... The blue haze... out of no where... there's no scratches... or injuries to the eyes.. I mean ive had pugs all my life. Ive had her great great great grandmother. She will be the last of her family because I had her spayed and her babies were also spayed and put into beautiful loving homes. The thing is... They never had problems until they got old and it was always something scratching their eye and injuring it. I tried everything to prevent her from going blind so thats why I am tripping especially seeing her in so much discomfort..
June 5, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
9 Recommendations
KCS, or 'dry-eye', is not related to encephalitis, but is very common in pugs. If that is what Pebble has been diagnosed with, it would be best to follow your veterinarian's advice, and treat her for that. If you are not sure, you are always able to call your veterinarian and ask for more clarification.
June 5, 2018
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Pug
Freddie
4 Years
10 found this helpful
10 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Seizure
I’m currently watching a pug who’s owners are not available right now, they expressed a history of seizures and he hasn’t had any since I met him 6 months ago, I just woke up to him foaming at the mouth stiff legs on his side on the floor. It lasted for a few minutes, then he got up and paced around the house for 10 minutes, now he’s back to normal and even sleeping as of now. I don’t know what to do, I can’t take him in, and I’ve never seen this.
May 22, 2018
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
10 Recommendations
It sounds like Freddie had a seizure. If he recovers normally, it may not be an emergency - seizures are emergencies if they occur back to back and aren't stopping, or if they continue for more than a minute or two. It would be best to call his owners as soon as they are available and let them know what is going on with him. I hope that he is okay.
May 22, 2018
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Pug
Olive
19 Months
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Depression
Circling
Lethargy
Head Tilt
Loss Of Balance
My little olive sadly passed away early hours in hospital 29/5/19, I’m absolutely devastated. She went from being a little off to being critical in less then 48 hours. When she started showing worrying signs of being seriously ill I rushed her to the vets and was informed it was neurological, it was not looking good they said they would take bloods and give her fluids, I got a phone call in the morning to she had passed away, they said without an mri that it was impossible to say for sure but said the thought it was encephalitis. I can’t believe how quick this took over my little girl I never saw any seizure before hand, the first symptom I noticed was her being a little more tired than usual. I’m still trying to process how this happened so quickly.
Pug
Betty
16 Weeks
0 found this helpful
0 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
Shaking Crying
Is it possible for a black female pug age 16 weeks to get PDE
Not drinking much. Quiet
Was told by a vet that she had a fit and died from PDE.
Is this even possible.
I just thought they were older than this and predominantly fawn
Pug Dog Encephalitis Average Cost
From 543 quotes ranging from $200 - $3,500
Average Cost
$1,600
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