Pug Dog Encephalitis (PDE) in Dogs and Cats

Necrotizing meningoencephalitis (NME)

A severe, progressive, and ultimately fatal inflammatory brain disease. Despite the name, it also affects other small breeds beyond Pugs, but Pugs make up the large majority of cases, and it’s believed to have an autoimmune basis.

Symptoms

Seizures
Behavioral changes or disorientation
Circling
Lethargy or depression
Abnormal gait or loss of coordination (ataxia)
Visual deficits or blindness
Symptoms are typically progressive and worsen over time

Causes

Believed to be an inherited autoimmune disorder, causing the immune system to attack the brain
A specific genetic risk marker has been identified in Pugs, allowing for predictive genetic testing
Most commonly affects young, fawn-colored, female Pugs, typically diagnosed before 7 years of age
Also documented, though less frequently, in Maltese, Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Pekingese, and French Bulldogs

Treatments

No cure; treatment focuses on managing inflammation and symptoms
Immunosuppressive medications, such as corticosteroids, to help slow disease progression
Anticonvulsant medication to help control seizures
Despite treatment, the disease is usually progressive, and prognosis is generally poor
Genetic testing is available for Pugs to help identify at-risk dogs before breeding

This condition is common in the following Dogs & Cats

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