Pug Dog Encephalitis?

[hugecanoli]

Does anyone know much about this disease? We just got back from taking our 2 year old to the neurologist (after we took him to our regular vet) bc my pug had an episode this morning where he started walking funny with his front leg...like it was kicking out. I thought maybe he just tweaked it or something. So then about a half hour later he was laying down and when he went to get up, his back legs just gave out. He couldn't walk. So we called the vet right away and brought him in. Once we got him to the vet, it was like nothing happened. He was running and walking around like normal.

We took him to the specialist and after examining him, she said he looked fine but of course they can't tell exactly if it's neurological or not without testing. She's thinking either Pug Dog Encephalitis or that maybe it was a seizure...maybe epilepsy. We're just not sure. One promising thing she said is that if it was the Encephalitis, she doesn't usually see dogs recover so fast as he did..that he'd still be showing signs and they're pretty much permanent after that. Anyway, We got blood work done which we'll get the results of tomorrow to see if his organs are functioning properly. At this point, the worst thing is not knowing and having to wait basically to see how he is and what he does. An MRI is going to cost $$$ and that's just something else to worry about. I am so sick right now and sad, I can't even say. I don't know what's going to happen here. If any of you have any input, that would be great.

Thanks.

[adenes]

I am so sorry...I don't have any good input or advice but I wanted to let you know I was thinking good healthy thoughts for you and your pup.

[Mountain Mom]

So frightening. I don't have any info either but am sending good thoughts your way.

[shaynapug]

There is no test that will show PDE while a Pug is alive....unfortunately......

I remember a scare with Solo when he jumped and hurt his back and I forgot about it cuz he got up and walked.....3 days later....he was not walking right .....and I ran him in at night. A possible seizure was thought of....so he was put on valium. By the AM ...he could not stand and support himself front or rear......PDE was mentioned. I got all the paper work...etc...and went to see him in the afternoon. Vet said then...it was not encephalitis as it had not gotten worse.....He had hurt his back some how! Then it clicked!!!

At this point, I would just wait and see.....or take him to a chiro...as he might have something out that is pinching him at times. I would sit down while this is fresh and write all that happened during the 24 hrs before it happened.....What it was like while it was going on....How long it lasted...and any effects it might have had once he came out of it. Then record the results of the testing that was done on him.

I know that vets want to do a lot of testing....but an MRI will not show PDE!

Keeping you and your baby in my thoughts and prayers!

[Lu Ci and Ri Ki]

Keeping you and your Puggie boy in my prayers.

[MylesyPug]

I'm sorry your pug is having problems. I think it was incredibly thoughtless of your vet to start mentioning PDE at this stage. Really thoughtless and irresponsible. Although it can never be ruled out initially when seizure-like behaviour is observed, it should only be brought into the mix if other behaviours are noted. These other signs can be all or some of the following - inability to jump down from chairs/stairs/beds etc., where there was no previous problem; pacing/circling; pressing their head into things and apparent blindness. Unfortunately PDE is virtually 100% fatal, despite some anecdotal reports of Pugs surviving years after being initially diagnosed, but these Pugs may have been miss-diagnosed or have something else going on. Death can be within days to a few months. There is no cure and the only treatment can be to alleviate the seizures and inflammation through anti-seizure meds and anti-inflammatories, but the meds rapidly lose their effectiveness. It is important to note though, that seizures are usually seen AFTER the other signs have been observed.

To finding out for sure - ShaynaPug is incorrect. MRI's and spinal taps CAN show PDE, but not always. Observation is really the best method right now. MRI's are very helpful if a brain tumour or lesion was suspected. As to a chiropractor, I find this very specious advice unless you know EXACTLY what you want adjusted or realigned, and that a chiropractor IS the best person to assist with that treatment. If your Pug IS diagnosed with something out of whack, that would be a wonderful outcome and a chiropractor a good thing! Otherwise chiropractic treatment should NOT be recommended for every ailment that crops up. It will not cure cancer, nor PDE.

Bottom line? WAAAAAAAAAAAAY too early and unnecessary to start throwing things like PDE around!!!! Yes, close observation is the best course of action for now. Maybe a very short course of anti-inflammatories might be a good thing. Hope this was a one off event!

[shaynapug]

Just read up on it, there has been a change....When I heard Dr. Greer speak a few years ago...she stated that PDE could not be found on an MRI....But in a recent report she stated that it could be found by an experienced vet neurologist!!!! That's good news!!!

I do firmly believe in a good chiro......I took Nikki in for xrays after she fell straight on her tail bone...vet told me she was bruised!!!! The chiro felt her out so bad that I heard her pop back into place!

[barbs pug]

I'm so sorry for you and little pug, I have nothing to add either but I will be thinking of you and your little guy

[Tinker's mom]

Good thoughts for you and your pug.

[hugecanoli]

Thanks so much to everyone and your kind words. It is very much appreciated. MylesyPug and Shayna, thanks for taking the time to explain everything.

As of right now, my boy has been "ok" since 11am (it is now 9pm) and showing no more signs (knock on wood). We've taken him out for walks and he's been playing inside and being his usual self for the most part. I take that as a "good sign", right? Would he display another episode like he did this morning at some point today, if it was PDE?

Good suggestion about the chiro but I would think that if there was something wrong with him physically, that it would have been picked up on during his examination today by both doctors, no? He hasn't cried or anything so I think that leads them to believe it's nothing physical.

The reason I think both vets brought up PDE is because he fits the bill for some of the findings, like his age (he's 2), the symptoms of his legs giving in and they even mentioned the time of year- that they seem to find the most cases during the summer. One other symptom that I mentioned to them that I've seen in him is his change in judgement. Like this morning he was standing next to the table leg and when he went to turn around, part of his face hit the table leg. Things like that have happened a bit more than usual and I found that to be odd bc he's always had good judgement with that. So I think hearing that had them concerned too.

As for the testing, the neurologist did say today that an MRI and spinal tap would be the main way to determine if it was PDE, so I guess the accuracy of the results have changed over time. We're not there yet though. I'm just trying to take one day at a time and see how he does. I'm praying for tomorrow to see what the blood work results say. Thanks so much again to all of you. I will keep you posted.....