Orthopaedic Conditions in Pugs

by Yasmin | 10 Jul, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health

Written by Malcolm McKee.
PDWRA Vet Advisor.

Pictured above, with his grumble, before the loss of Lily (February ’23) and Missy (May ’23).

Most orthopaedic problems in pugs affect the hind limbs (back legs) rather than the fore limbs (front legs). Fortunately fractures (broken bones) and tumours (cancers) are very uncommon.

The two conditions that most commonly cause lameness and stiffness in pugs are hip dysplasia and medial patellar lunation.

Hip dysplasia

This is an inherited condition that causes the ball-and-socket hip joint to develop abnormally (excessive laxity) and leads to secondary osteoarthritis (also referred to as degenerative joint disease). 

Lameness and/or stiffness involving one or both hind limbs may be evident and affected Pugs are often reluctant to exercise and have difficulty jumping. Common features on examination include muscle atrophy/wastage (especially the gluteal muscles around the hip) and pain when the hip joint is extended (limb pulled backwards).

Radiographs (X-rays) are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Typical abnormalities include deformity of the femoral head (ball) and pelvic acetabulum (socket) and changes consistent with osteoarthritis (such as new abnormal bone formation – referred to as osteophytes). 

Pugs that are lame/stiff will generally warrant medical treatment. Key aspects include: (1) weight control (2) exercise regulation and (3) analgesics (pain killer medications).  

Dogs that are overweight should be placed on a diet, with calorie intake restricted, and their weight regularly monitored. The likes of a piece of cucumber should be given as a treat, rather than biscuits or table scraps. 

Exercise should be regulated in a semi-controlled manner. Twisting, turning, jumping and climbing should be avoided. Small, frequent, regular walks, on the likes of a flexi-lead are preferable to long walks tearing around off the lead. Dogs will often have a threshold regarding the duration and type of exercise, beyond which lameness and stiffness will increase. It is important to recognise these limits and stay within them.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most common medication used in dogs with hip dysplasia and secondary osteoarthritis. If they are effective (less lame/stiff), the dose of drug should be reduced to the lowest possible to maintain the benefit, and if possible halted.
Paracetamol may also be considered in more severe cases, as well an the injectable Librela. 

The majority of pugs can be managed satisfactorily with medical/conservative treatment. Those that aren’t may be candidates for surgery. Replacing the arthritic hip joint (referred to as a Total Hip Replacement, or THR), is preferable to cutting the head (ball) off the top of the femur (referred to as an Excisional Arthroplasty). Hip replacement surgery is a very specialised (and expensive) procedure – in experienced hands, it has a high success rate.

Medial patellar luxation

Also referred to as “slipping of the knee cap” (medial refers to the fact that the patella or knee cap dislocates onto the inside of the stifle/knee joint).

Affected pugs typically have a hopping gait/lameness, especially if the patella is slipping in and out of the groove in the femur (thigh bone), within the joint. A careful examination enables the abnormal movement of the patella to be detected. The severity of the condition is graded from 1 to 4, with 4 being the most severe. 

The reason the patella luxates (dislocates or slips) out of the groove on the femoral bone is that the femur is deformed (referred to as femoral varus) and the hind limb bow-legged to some degree. 

Radiographs (X-rays) are not necessary in order to diagnose medial patellar lunation – as mentioned previously this is based on a thorough examination. The main reason to obtain radiographs is to assess the degree of deformity of the femur bone, in dogs where surgical correction/“straightening” is being considered.

Many pugs with medial patellar lunation may be managed conservatively with weight control, exercise regulation, and if necessary NSAIDs (as low a dose as infrequently as possible). Dogs that fail to respond satisfactorily may be candidates for surgery.

Surgery aims to stabilise the patella within the femoral groove using one or more techniques. In dogs with mild deformity of the femur (and associated low-grade patella luxation), it is not necessary to correct the deformity (straighten the femur). In contrast, pugs with severe deformity of the femur (Grade 4/4 patella lunation), require the deformity to be corrected by cutting and straightening the bone (a bigger and more expensive operation).

All patellar luxation surgeries in dogs are intricate, especially in dogs as small as pugs, however, the success rate is good when performed by experienced surgeons. Following surgery it is important that exercise is severely restricted until bone and soft tissues have had a chance to heal.  

Unfortunately hip dysplasia and patellar luxation are not uncommon in pugs. Both conditions are relatively easy to diagnose and the majority of dogs do not require an operation. The outlook in those pugs that have surgery is generally good, albeit the training and skill of the surgeon are important factors.

Malcolm McKee. 

BVMS, MVS, DSAO, MACVSc, MRCVS.

Another very interesting article by Malcolm about spinal conditions common in pugs should be read, at:
https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/spinal-conditions-in-pugs/

Heatwave Alert & Hot Weather Advice.

by Yasmin | 25 Jun, 2024 | Blog, News, Pug Health

The UK recorded its hottest day of the year so far on Tuesday 26th June, as yellow heat health alerts remain in place for millions around the country.

Temperatures peaked at 28.3C (82.9F) in Wisley, Surrey, and could rise to 30C (86F) in some spots this week, forecasters say.

Scotland and Northern Ireland also recorded their hottest temperatures so far this year – although Wales did not break its previous record set in May.

So here are our usual reminders & tips to help you & your pugs get through it comfortably & safely!

• Make sure your pug has constant access to fresh water – day and night.
  • fresh fruit, chilled or frozen, make ideal refreshing & healthy treats to help keep them hydrated.
• Make sure your pug has constant access to shade and cool surfaces.
  • Remember to move sources of shade as the sun moves around gardens.
  • Provide cooling jackets and shallow paddling pools to enable your pug to cool down, and remember that carpets do not help pugs cool down, so indoors, provide cooling mats and swap them for a spare cool mat regularly to ensure they are cool.
  • DO NOT rely on fans alone to cool your pugs down as they are not as effective on pets as they are on us.
• Plan your walks
  • Walk your pug in the early morning or late in the evening if the temperatures are cool enough and try to stick to shaded areas.
  • If the mornings/evenings are still warm – DO NOT walk your pug!
  • Particularly if they are overweight, have health issues, are elderly or very young.

• The Seven Second Test
  • Tarmac can get very hot in the sun – hold your hand against the tarmac for 7 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand DO NOT walk your pug as they could burn their paws.
    

NEVER leave your pug in a car on a hot day – even if it’s just for a couple of minutes, or even if you have left the windows open. Pugs can die in hot cars in minutes!!!

It is important to know what to look for, where HEATSTROKE is concerned, also what to do in an Emergency! 

For more information on this, please see: https://pugwelfare-rescue.org.uk/seasonal-hazards-for-pugs/

Also, so far this year the grass & tree pollen count has been very high, so this may also be having an impact on allergic pugs.

Atopic Dermatitis (Itchy skin!).