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Pug Health ProblemsCommon pug health problems include dry eyes, hip dysplasia, pug dog encephalitis, and elongated soft palate.
The Pug is one of the oldest breeds of dogs. Believed to be of Chinese origin, the Pug shares similarities to the Pekingese.
The Pug is an excellent companion dog and quite a good watchdog as well. Pugs are extremely people oriented and therefore should not be left alone for extended
periods of time.
The Pug is a rather popular breed in the U.S.A.- Ranked 15th most registered breed by the AKC for 2008.
Common Pug Health ProblemsOne common health problem with the Pug is obesity. If you have a Pug, therefore, it is important to keep his weight in check for his overall health. Another important thing to remember about the Pug is, since it is a brachycephalic breed (short muzzled breeds such as the Pug), it should not be left outdoors, especially in the summer, because heat and high humidity can easily cause death due to the flatness of their faces. They may have difficulties breathing in the heat. Always keep the Pug in cool places and avoid excessive exercise in the summer. Below are some of the more common pug health problems:
Pug Health Problems - Dry EyeDry eye, medically known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), occurs when there is insufficient tear production to keep the eye lubricated. This condition is rather prevalent in Pugs. Common symptoms include redness and obvious irritation, a yellowish discharge. and recurrent eye infections. Avoid medications such as sulfa antibiotics that may predispose dogs to develop dry eyes. TopPug Health Problems - Corneal UlcersCorneal ulcer is basically a wound on the surface of the eye. Trauma such as a cat scratch can ulcerate the cornea. Sometimes the injury is very small and difficult to detect, but you may realize that your dog is always "squinting". Care has to be taken to ensure that the cornea do not ulcerate further, and that bacteria do not infect the wound. Since pugs have bulky eyes, they can easily scratch their corneas or even puncture their eyeballs. Therefore, try to protect their eyes as much as you can by keeping them away from sharp objects at all times! TopPug Health Problems - EntropionEntropion is a condition where the bottom eyelid rolls inward and causes the eye lashes to rub against the cornea, resulting in pain, tearing, and inflammation. It can be present in both eyes. Entropion can be treated by eyelid surgeries. TopPug Health Problems - Hip DysplasiaHip dysplasia afflicts many dogs including the Pug. Hip dysplasia is generally considered to be inherited, but over-vaccination and obesity are also possible causes. The condition ranges from just a slight abnormality in the hip joint to the actual dislocation of the joint. Providing a natural diet, supplemented by chondroprotective medications (glucosamine and chondroitin) helps prevent and manage bone and joint problems. TopPug Health Problems - Patellar LuxationPatellar luxation is a hereditary condition in which the knee cap slips out of its groove. Sometimes the kneecap will slip back into place; while other times a veterinarian may need to put it back in place. If it is not corrected through surgery, then osteoarthritis will usually result. It is a good idea to prevent this condition by starting Pugs on chondroprotective medications (glucosamine and chondroitin) when they are young. TopPug Health Problems - Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE)Pug dog encephalitis, which is basically inflammation of the brain, tends to affect young to middle aged Pugs. The main symptom is seizures, and the affected pug may also show signs of listlessness, lethargy, circling, blindness, and loss of muscle coordination. Signs of the disorder can happen very rapidly or progress slowly. Medication can be used to control the seizures but there is no cure for this disorder. TopPug Health Problems - Tracheal CollapseTracheal collapse is a narrowing of the windpipe due to the weakening of the cartilage, which forms and supports the trachea. This condition is common in middle-aged to older Pugs. Symptoms include a dry, honking cough, harsh breathing and gagging. The cough is worsened by exercise, heat, excitement, and humidity. Obese pugs are particularly vulnerable to this condition. Treatment consists of managing the cough and using supplements to strengthen cartilage. TopElongated Soft Palate (ESP)Elongated soft palate is common among Brachycephalic breeds. In many Pugs, the soft palate is too large, resulting in the obstruction of their airways. A Pug with a mild condition of ESP usually snores. In more severe cases, the pugs may have a honking cough; they may be gasping for air and have difficulties breathing. ESP can be corrected through surgery. TopStenotic NaresStenotic nares is a birth defect in which the wings of the nostrils are too large that they cover a major portion of the nasal openings, making it too difficult for the Pug to breathe through his nose. This loss of air passage results in excessive snorting, snoring, coughing, and gagging. As you can imagine, the condition puts a lot of strain on the Pug's entire body and can lead to an enlargement of the heart, tracheal collapse and chronic bronchitis. Surgery to open up the affected nostril is recommended especially for young pugs suffering from this defect.
References B. Belmonte, The Pug Handbook (Barron's Educational Series, 2004) Pug Center (http://www.pugcenter.com/health-concern.php) TOP of Pug Health Problems |
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