Pug
Dog Encephalitis (PDE): PDE is an invariably fatal disease in the Pug which generally
arises between 6 months and 7 years; however, the majority of Pugs affected
are between 9 and 19 months of age. In clinical terms, the disease is
described as a necrotizing meningoencephalitis. This description means that
the brain and the layer of tissues surrounding the brain are abnormally
inflamed. The term “necrotizing” describes the clinical way in which
portions of the brain are literally dying. Although these portions may be
very small, they are numerous and will cause severe and progressive
neurologic symptoms. Specifically, symptoms of PDE include: seizure, pressing of the head against a wall or furniture,
a staggering walk, apparent blindness, lethargy, depression, and neck pain.
When first presenting symptoms, most pugs simply quit jumping on or off
furniture as they once did casually and they appear to have a “stiff neck”. Pug
Dog Encephalitis (PDE) Project