A disease specific to the Pug breed, Pug Dog Encephalitis or PDE is an inflammation of the brain tissues that can cause pain, seizures, and even death. PDE is idiopathic, meaning that the causes are unknown. However, because it is seen between littermates, veterinarians suspect it is genetic or immune-related. Immune-mediated diseases are an abnormal immune response where the body sees normal tissues as dangerous and attacks them. PDE occurs when the immune system attacks the brain.
PDE affects Pugs between two to three years of age but can also affect those six months to seven years old.
Most symptoms of PDE are neurological and include: changes in behavior, neck stiffness, seizures, disorientation or confusion, loss of coordination, head tilt, walking in circles, depression, lethargy, weakness, and blindness.