Pug Seizures

Pug looking for trouble.

Pugs, also known as Chinese Pugs, are very popular, flat-faced, curly-tailed dogs. According to "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms," they are prone to health problems, including seizure disorders.

Types

The types of seizure disorders Pugs get include epilepsy and encephalitis (often called water on the brain). Pugs are prone to their own type of encephalitis called Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE), according to veterinarian Dr. Arnold Plotnick.

Cause

PDE causes brain inflammation and is thought to be hereditary. It is unknown why dogs get canine epilepsy, but genes are thought to play a part, according to the Canine Epilepsy Network.

Prognosis

PDE is always lethal, according to Dr. Plotnick; however, Pugs can live for years with epilepsy, depending on how severe it is.

Warning

Call a vet immediately if any Pug seizure lasts over 30 minutes. If this happens, the Pug is at risk of permanent brain damage or death, according to the Canine Epilepsy Network.

Misconception

Because of their flat faces, Pugs can "reverse sneeze," which may be mistaken for a mild seizure. This sounds like a honking or deep inhalation while the pug shakes its head as if sneezing.

References

• "The Veterinarians' Guide to Your Dog's Symptoms"; Michael S. Garvey, DVM, et al.; 1999
• PetPlace.com: Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE); Dr. Arnold Plotnick
• Canine Epilepsy Network: Understanding Your Pet's Epilepsy

Resources

• YouTube: Pug Reverse Sneezing
• DogBreedInfo.com: Pug
• PugRescue.com