Newby please help! Depressed pug, seizures, off food, ? Encephalitis or cns disease?

[Nicola3771]

Hi guys,

I have just joined the forum to see if anybody can help me and my pug woody.

He is a 5 year old depressed little pug who has suffered from 'funny episodes' ? Seizures for about 1.5 years now. He has recently got progressively worse over the last couple of months and the vets have referred him for a MRI scan and cerebral fluid samples - his appointment is on Thursday coming.

The vets initially thought it might be epilepsy and told me to just monitor the seizures and write down when they happened and what he was doing at the time. But initially these funny turns were very very infrequent and he could go months and months before having one but lately they are more frequent. He has had 3 seizures since Xmas, he is totally off his food, walks around with his head down and moves at a snails pace. He is depressed and has just started snapping when taken by surprise if you go to stroke him. He doesn't play anymore, he sometimes looks at me but he doesn't seem to recognise who I am or a little confused almost.

I took a video of his last episode so I could show the vet somaybe they could diagnose him as I am really worried about him and I just want to make him better.

During these funny turns he is totally aware of what is happening and he looks petrified. He listens and looks intently at me when it happens for reassurance and comfort. The only way I can describe it is like his body isn't doing what his brain is telling him to do. He tried to get up to walk but he just falls over and his legs won't support his weight, he tries to get up but he just can't and his last episode lasted about 4 minutes. Eventually he managed to get up and walk onto his bed but he looked clumsy and instead when walking.

The worst episode happened 1 year ago and he urinated and defecated ANSI honestly thought he was going to die but then he didn't have another one after for at least 4 months.
The vet thinks it might be pug encephalitis or a central nervous system disease so we are getting the tests on Thursday.

I am unsure about this being encephalitis because he doesn't walk around in circles or bang his head on walls or objects. Inbetween the seizures he remains depressed and doesn't seem to recover. He is getting worse, he doesn't eat much of his food anymore and I am worried sick.

Please can anybody give me any advice or tell me if they have Had any similar problems with their pug xx

[Snifter]

I'm sorry to hear this.

Has your vet referred you to a specialist? If not, I would recommend you discuss this option with them. Whereabouts in England are you?

[Tinker's mom]

Hello & to the village. I'm so sorry to hear your pug is having these problems. I think you should see a neurologist vet. Please keep us posted. Prayers for a good diagnosis and treatment and hugs to you.

[Nicola3771]

I am from Newcastle, my vet has referred me to wear referrals at bishop Auckland who are going to do a full assessment on Thursday before doing the MRI and taking a sample of his spinal fluid. I spoke to the specialist at the centre this morning who explained everything, he said I would get the results back on the evening when I go to pick woody up. My vets have done a whole lad of bloods and nothing came back out the ordinary. The specialist said it has been going on for quite a long time so he isn't too convinced on encephalitis and he suggested it could be a number of other things including a brain tumour. It is going to be a long week and I keep looking at my sad little boy and I just feel physically sick! Althought woody is not a happy boy he does have fleeting moments of tail wagging and a 10 second burst of life. I have everything crossed and I will keep you updated. Thanks so much for replying x

[Wonka & Nilla]

I can only imagine how hard this must be for you to watch and I'm so sorry you and Woody are going through this.
I don't have any advice, but it sounds like you are on the right track with doing the blood panel and MRI. Best wishes for Woody to get a treatable diagnosis and on the road to health soon.

[pugaddiction]

Welcome. So sorry our meeting is under these circumstances. I am sorry that I haven't any advice, just prayers for your little Woody and yourself. These must be very difficult times for you and I only hope that you get some answers soon. Best of luck to you and will be waiting for the results.

[Snifter]

We'll have everything crossed for you and Woody on Thursday.

[Chewieluv]

No advice, I just want to say I'm so sorry you are going through this and I hope you find answers soon!

[Hellas]

I have no advice either but I'm sending you both virtual hugs and well wishes. It's hell watching your darling puggie suffer. Fingers crossed he'll be ok.

[Rugbysmom]

Hi & welcome....I, too, am sorry you aren't joining under happier circumstances! I'm sorry you are going thru this with your dear little Woody! I'm sending along lots of hugs & prayers, & hopes that the vets will soon figure out what's wrong with Woody, and that it is something that can be fixed! Please keep us posted, we'll all be thinking of you!