Pug Genetics

PUG GENETICS‘ answers to myths’-CROSSBRED DOGS ARE HEALTHIER THAN PUREBRED DOGS. The truth is that there are never records kept of the genetic health passed down through generations of litters of dogs, which are not purebred, while there are of purebred dogs.
(1)A cross-bred, mix or mutt does not guarantee a genetically healthier dog, only testing breeding stock for diseases found in a breed does that. The cross-bred dog has all the inherited good and bad genes of the dogs which make up its pedigree also. Theirs are more varied and hidden than that of the purebred (Registered) dogs, as these dogs make up the good and bad inherited traits of many breeds.

Fact- All domestic animals (purebred and crossbred or mixed ) have Hereditary Disease, even those of the reputable breeder.

(2)Purebred dog breeding- ‘Out crossed / Line bred / Inbred’-

There is no proof that an “ out crossed “ purebred dog is more healthy genetically than a ‘line bred’ or ‘inbred’ dog. This war has been going on since man began controlled breeding of animals.Out crossing-sometimes hides serious health and physical problems which then occur later in life or within one or two generations of breeding those outcrossed animals.

“Line breeding” produces uniform dogs ‘mirroring’ those in their pedigree allowing the breeder to advance or eliminate good traits or bad traits- genetically (health and physically).

‘Inbreeding’ should be done only by experienced breeders. Allows the breeder to find out quickly what genetically (health and physically) might be in his dogs.

A QUESTION: Breeder claiming that pugs don’t need to be tested for hip dysplasia (or any of the painful hereditary diseases that are associated with the breed) because they aren’t a sporting dog or a working dog? Claiming they don’t test parents of their pups because that would just be looking for trouble?

PDCBC ANSWERS :**Hip dysplasia and joint disease is painful no matter how big or small the dog is.

Think about how often in one day that a hip socket has to move within a hip joint as the dog moves or walks.

Hemivertibra immobilizes the dog as the affected vertebra crushes the spinal cord and nerves.

Slipping patellas- must hold up a dog to heavy sometimes to be supported by healthy patellas as it moves (this is a very painful disease for the dog afflicted). Testing breeding stock for known diseases in breeds is done by ethical breeders to insure that the breed remains as sound as possible in the future, and so that purchasers are dealt with as honestly as possible.

A QUESTION: HOW CAN I CHECK ON THE BREEDER WHEN THEY TELL ME THAT THEY HAVE TESTED THE PARENTS OF THE PUPPIES?

PDCBC ANSWERS :**ANY BREEDER WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE TESTED THE PARENTS OF HIS PUPPIES SHOULD BE HAPPY TO SHOW YOU (mail, fax etc) COPIES OF ALL TEST RESULTS**

The OFA (Orthopedic Foundation Of America ) is known by Veterinarians who do the radiographs for Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia , Patella’s etc as the best, most knowledgeable organization (with 3 veterinarians checking each xray) to have the tests done. All of the test results from 1970 are saved and on a web site for all interested to see. If the dog has been tested, the results will be on screen. It is fraudulent and a Federal offence to lie to a prospective purchaser in order to sell merchandise. !!!!!!

Check out   ORTHOPEDIC FOUNDATION OF AMERICA “OFA”

WEBSITE:   http://www.offa.org

And   THE PUG DOG GENETIC REGISTRY INTERNATIONAL "PDGRI"

WEBSITE: http://PugDogGeneticRegistryInternational.com

HEALTH PROBLEMS RELATED TO BRACHYCEPHALIC DOGS INCLUDING PUGS:
Pugs are known to carry these genetic diseases. This list is not meant to be complete.

Atopy

Cleft Palate

Collapsing Larynx

Collapsing and Hypoplastic (small, narrow) Tracheas

Demodectic Mange

Distichia

Dystocia

Elongated Soft Palates

Entropion

Everted Laryngeal Saccules

Heart Disease

Hemivertebra

Hernias

Hip Dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

Keraconjunctivitis Sicca

Lagophthalmos

Laryngeal Polyps

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease

Liver Disease

Luxating Patellas

Missing Teeth

Pigmentary Keratitis

Portosystemic Shunt

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Pug dog Encephalitis (PDE)

Renal Disease

Seizure Disorders

Tongue To Big and Long For Mouth

Wry Mouth; teeth out of alignment

WE THANK AND ACKNOWLEDGE THE PUGET SOUND PUG DOG CLUB for the health information that we have modified that is contained herein.
First printed with the permission of the Puget Sound Pug Dog Club for the November/December 1994 Issue of Pug Pause (Volume I -Year I). Permission was given by the PSPDC to use this Article for any educational purposes. Permission must be obtained from PUGET SOUND PUG DOG CLUB to recopy.
Modified by Sandra Todosychuk (PDGRC) for educational purposes.

Glossary of Veterinary Medical Terms

Atopy - is the predisposition to allergic reactions. 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.

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 midline visible at birth.

Collapsing Larynx-or laryngeal paralysis is the result of weakening of the muscles that control the larynx. It is manifested either as the falling into the airway of the arytenoid cartilage’s that form the front of the larynx, or paralysis of one or both vocal cords. The end result is partial obstruction of the airway. Laryngeal paralysis can be congenital or acquired. The acquired form is often secondary to hypothyroidism and may respond to thyroid supplementation. Frequent signs of laryngeal paralysis are a change in the dog’s bark, and /or very noisy respiration. Laryngeal paralysis is best diagnosed by observation of the larynx during respiration under anesthesia.

Collapsing and Hypoplastic (small, narrow) Tracheas-are usually congenital in pugs. Affected dogs usually suffer from a chronic “honking” cough or dyspnea (difficulty breathing) during exercise. These conditions are usually diagnosed on radiograph.

Demodectic Mange-is characterized by either focal or generalized reddened areas of hair loss in response to the presence of demodex mites. These mites are normal inhabitants of the hair follicles. Normal dogs have very few mites. Dogs that develop Demodectic mange have an increased number of mites and hyper-respond to their presence. Some young dogs will develop a small patch of demodex during stress that may spontaneously resolve and go undetected. Dogs with generalized Demodectic mange usually require treatment and may have an inherited defect in their immune system. Demodectic mange is confirmed by examining skin scrapings or biopsies.

Distichia-are aberrant eyelashes that grow on the inside of the eyelids and rub on the cornea (the clear outer surface of the eye.) they cause irritation that can lead to Pigmentary Keratitis. Frequent signs of Distichia include chronically squinted or weepy eyes. Distichia can be observed with a bright light and some magnification at the lid margins.

Dystocia- is difficulty whelping puppies.

Elongated soft Palates - are the most common airway obstruction in Pugs. The soft palate is an extension of the hard palate which forms the roof of the mouth. The soft palate is supposed to act as a mobile flap to prevent food and water entering the nasal passages during swallowing. An elongated soft palate hangs in front of the airway or even falls into the larynx during inhalation. Affected Pugs will breath rather noisily when excited. Pugs with elongated soft palates often sound like someone slurping the last of their soda through a straw. They frequently gag in an attempt to clear their airway, bringing up foamy saliva while eating, drinking or excited. Dogs with elongated soft palates may have “reverse sneeze” attacks. An elongated soft palate is almost impossible to positively confirm in a conscious Pug. It can sometimes be visualized on a radiograph but is best diagnosed by direct examination under anesthesia.

Entropion- is a conformational defect where one or both eyelids roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye. In Pugs it is usually the medial (inside) edge of the lower eyelid that rolls inward. Pugs with Entropion may have squinted or weepy eyes and can develop Pigmentary Keratitis from the irritation.

Everted Laryngeal Saccules- are the second most common airway obstruction in Pugs. They are usually secondary to an elongated soft palate or stenotic nares. They result from swelling of the tissue lining the larynx, known as the laryngeal ventricles. As the tissue swells it is pulled into and obstructs the airway. Everted laryngeal saccules are diagnosed under anesthesia.2.

Heart Disease- is a broad category of conditions both congenital and acquired that affects how efficiently the heart is able to pump blood. Signs of heart disease can include exercise intolerance, poor growth, weight loss, chronic cough, a pot bellied appearance, and even fainting episodes. Many heart problems can be detected on physical exam. A complete workup for heart disease can include radiographs, ECG, blood work, and even ultrasound.

Hemivertebra- is a congenital defect where part of the vertebra fails to form properly resulting in a misshapen vertebra. Hemivertebrae are often wedge shaped and result in an unstable portion of the spine. The intervertebral discs adjacent to Hemivertebrae are very prone to rupture. Spines in which there are several Hemivertebrae may have scoliosis (twisting of the spine) that can directly pinch the spinal cord. Dogs with Hemivertebrae are prone to disc disease in later life or early paralysis in severe cases of scoliosis. Hemivertebrae are diagnosed radiographically when dogs show signs of spinal cord injury.

Hernias- are the protrusion of abdominal contents or organs through a weakened or torn muscle wall. The most common hernias observed in Pugs are umbilical and inquinal hernias. Umbilical hernias are soft masses seen at the umbilical area that recede into the abdomen when gently pressed upon. Inquinal hernias are located in the groin area. Diaphragmatic and hiatal hernias are when a weakening or tear in the diaphragm allows abdominal organs into the chest cavity resulting in difficult breathing.
Hip Dysplasia- is a malformation of the hip joint resulting in a sloppy and arthritic joint. Mildly dysplastic Pugs are frequently sound movers. Severely dysplastic Pugs may exhibit some lameness. Severely dysplastic hips can be easily luxated (slipped out of joints). Severe Dysplasia can lead to rotation of the femur that results in Luxating patella’s. Hip Dysplasia is diagnosed by a combination of radiographs, gait evaluation, and hip manipulation. This disorder is not to be confused with Legg Calve Perthes disease.

Hypothyroidism -is a decreased production of thyroid hormone. Hypothyroid dogs are frequently overweight, have poor hair coats, irregular heat cycles and poor fertility. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by measuring thyroid hormone levels in the blood.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS)- is low tear production in the eye, commonly called “dry eye”. Dogs with KCS tend to have large amounts of crusty matter accumulate on their eyelids, dry noses, and sometimes Pigmentary Keratitis. KCS is diagnosed by measuring tear production with Schirmer tear test strips.

Lagophthalmos- is the failure to completely close the eyelids when blinking or sleeping. This results in a dry irritated band of cornea running across the middle of the eye and can lead to Pigmentary Keratitis. Lagophthalmos is diagnosed by watching the dog blink, or by the pattern of pigment across the eye.

Laryngeal Polyps- are small benign masses that grow on irritated vocal cords. They can be a sequelae to an elongated soft palate or airway obstruction. They are best observed under anesthesia.

Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease- is a disorder in young small breed dogs in which part of the head of the femur dies, resulting in an acutely painful hip. In mild cases of Legg-Calve-Perthes, or in cases where both hips are involved, there may be very little lameness detected. Radiographs taken early in the onset of the disease are diagnostic. Radiographs taken much later may only show evidence of hip Dysplasia, the result of the body’s bone remodeling to compensate for the defective femoral head.

Liver Disease- is a broad category of conditions affecting the liver. Signs of liver disease can include poor growth, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, jaundice, a pot bellied appearance, and even seizures. A complete workup for liver problems can include blood tests, radiographs, ultrasound, and biopsies.

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 back in its normal groove. Luxating patella’s can be diagnosed by watching the dog gait, palpation and radiographs.

Missing Teeth- are either the failure to develop certain adult teeth or the premature loss of adult teeth. Some Pugs are prone to early loss of their lower incisors because they fail to develop good bone structure in their lower jaws.

Pigmentary Keratitis- is the development of a brown film (pigment) over the clear cornea of the eye. It can be readily detected with a bright light and a little practice. Pigmentary Keratitis can be the bodies response to toughen the cornea in the face of irritation such as Entropion, Distichiae, injury or lack or tears. In mild cases the pigment is laid down on the cornea only at the location of the injury or irritation. Mild Pigmentary Keratitis may resolve when the irritation is corrected. Severe Pigmentary Keratitis is when the eye hyper-responds to an irritation and proceeds to pigment an area of the cornea larger than has been directly irritated or injured. Severe Pigmentary Keratitis can proceed to blindness, and improves very little when the source of irritation is removed.

Portosystemic Shunt - is a single or multiple circulatory bypass around the liver. In normal individuals all blood leaving the intestines is filtered through the liver for processing of potential toxins. In individuals with a Portosystemic shunt(s) include poor growth, vomiting, diarrhea, crystals in the urine, and seizures. Diagnosis of a Porto systemic shunt can include blood tests, radiographs and special dye studies.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - is a condition where the retinas in the eye degenerate, leading to blindness. Signs include progressively poor vision or sudden blindness. PRA is readily detected by examination of the retinas with an ophthalmoscope.

Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) - 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.

Renal Disease - is any disorder affecting kidney function. Dogs with chronic renal disease may drink a lot of water produce large amounts of dilute urine, have weight loss, vomiting, and ulcers. Dogs in acute renal failure may stop drinking and produce little to no urine. A complete workup for renal disease can include blood tests, urinalysis, and kidney biopsies.

Seizure Disorders- are any disease that can produce seizures. This includes Porto systemic shunts, Pug dog Encephalitis, hydrocephalus, and idiopathic epilepsy, high temperatures, poisons (including medications (including overmedicating) , some foods and insecticides such as weed & feed), environmental concerns, head injuries.   Pugs tend to have a lower “seizure threshold than most dogs. The administration of certain common drugs such as Ace Promazine or the brief oxygen deprivation can induce seizures in normal Pugs. Seizures can vary in form from a blank stare to a behavioral quirk, a muscular tick to a complete convulsion. A complete workup for seizures can include blood tests, a cerebral spinal fluid tap, and CT or MRI scans. Be aware that inner ear infections and allergies can cause stroke-like and or seizure like symptoms. PLEASE NOTE THAT VERY FEW PUG SIEZURES ARE ACTUALLY CAUSED BY PUG DOG ENCEPHALITIS.

Teeth Alignment- teeth of the upper and lower jaw do not meet together on one or both sides of the mouth. Those teeth which have no opposing tooth to hold them will loosen as they shift out of the bone which holds the teeth. The dog will eventually lose all teeth which drift over into the spaces left by removed or naturally lost teeth, and which do not have an opposing tooth.

Tongue -(To Big and Long For Mouth) -Prevents proper eating, and drinking as tongue gets in the way of the teeth . Dog is not able to close mouth properly. Drooling or dryness of tongue. Eventual Nerve damage causes dog to bite tongue frequently, parts of tongue may need to be amputated. Causes choking if tongue rolls to the back of the throat. Inability to eat or drink sufficient amounts may cause internal disease such as liver, kidney renal, bowel failure.

Wry Mouth-is a twisted of offset lower jaw. Jaw cannot come together, and so dog often cannot eat or drink properly. The tongue is sometimes seen protruding from one side of the mouth. As all opposing teeth are not abutted (a tooth is kept in place in the tooth socket by the opposing tooth) held , they work their way out of the tooth socket, and the dog eventually loses those teeth. This is therefore a serious hereditary disease, as it means malnutrition for the dog throughout its life, and eventual starvation.

Coming soon, you can check out www.PugGenetics.com for full information on Pug Genetics