early detection of PDE?

[eots]

My dogs sister just died of PDE at the age of 20 months and my vet is recommending an MRI to see if my dog will develop the disease. Can an MRI show early signs of PDE before the onset of the disease?

[Tinker's mom]

Hello & to the village! I'm so sorry to hear about your sister's dog.I don't know if an MRI can diagnose PDE but I'm sure someone on here can tell you. Prayers your pug doesn't have it.

[eots]

You misunderstood, it's not my sister's dog that died, it's my dogs sister (his litter mate). Anyway my vet found a lab that has a genetic test for PDE, so I'm going to get my dog tested.

Pug Encephalitis

[Cheryl7777]

My Abby died of PDE at 18 months. I have her brother Gus, her litter mate. From all the research I have done (a lot!) there is no diagnostic test for PDE. An MRI and spinal can be done but are not conclusive. The only way to know for sure if your Pug died of PDE is a test done after death. The test you are referring to is not a diagnostic test. It is a test to see if your Pug carries the gene for PDE. This test helps by telling you if your dog is more likely or less likely to develop the problem. I decided not to test Gus because I know PDE is 100 percent fatal. If he tests more likely to have it what am I going to do about it any way. Abby's death was so traumatic to me that I have decided to just put the facts out of my mind and go on with Gus expecting him to have a good long life until I am proven wrong. But that's a really personal decision that I think is best for me. It may not be what anyone else would decide. PDE is the most horrible thing I can think of for our babies. I hope all breeders will incorporate that test into ther breeding decisions so that maybe someday it will be illuminated. Good luck to you, I will be praying your little Pug will not have it like his sister.

[CountryGal]

My girl Jade died of what I am nearly 100% sure was PDE. My daughter/grandkids have her sister, Sally. Sally is healthy and happy all these years later.

[shaynapug]

Even tho a dog has tested SS......doesn't mean that they will ever get PDE!!!!

Even tho a dog tests NN...normal normal doesn't mean that will never get it.

Just that chances are more either way........

They know there are other factors and are researching it!

Unless your dog is showing signs of problems....I woudn't put him through any tests like those! They are uncomfortable.....and costly! As as mentioned...there is nothing to be done for PDE at this point in time!

Seeing your dog clear of PDE...

Oh.....and....If two NS dogs are bred.....Some will be NN, Some will be NS, and some will be SS......

[eots]

I know the PDE test is just to determine the risk level of developing the disease and it's simple and inexpensive. For me it's worth knowing if my dog is SS, NS or NN.

[Cheryl7777]

Good luck with the test. I hope the results come back with a result that can give you some comfort and peace of mind.

[shaynapug]

Just remember...SS is NOT a death sentence....and NN is not a sure thing for not getting it!