TREATMENT OPTIONS
Many veterinarians are not yet knowledgeable about this condition, as published information is not yet widely available. Pugs with rear limb ataxia may have had a previous diagnosis that was incomplete in light of this evolving information. Since so little is known, there is no consensus among neurologists about the best way to treat it. Surgery may be appropriate for individual cases, but it must be considered as soon as possible, after symptoms first occur, and may only delay progression of paralysis.
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The most important palliative treatment appears to be consistent ongoing physical therapy using rehabilitation exercises to preserve muscle strength, and enhance development of a spinal walk. A wheeled cart, carefully fitted by a knowledgeable professional, and introduced early in the course of the disease, may improve the dog’s ability to walk. Pugs affected with Pug Myelopathy are usually pain free and can lead excellent long lives with dedicated home nursing care. Other forms of integrative medicine can enhance ability and desire to stay mobile. All senior Pugs require periodic wellness exams to detect and alleviate other problems of aging and may benefit from medication and/or supplements. Cervical IVDD may also occur with advancing age. It is critical the dog is carefully monitored for ability to completely empty the urinary bladder several times a day. Owners should be trained to detect UTIs, understand symptoms of progressive urinary retention incontinence, and how to manually express the bladder. Several other well documented conditions in Pugs also cause symptoms of ataxia, including hemivertebrae; acute sudden onset IVDD; spinal cord tumors; and spinal arthritis in elder dogs. It is important the primary care veterinarian discuss referral for an examination by a board certified veterinary neurologist or surgeon when symptoms of ataxia first appear.
The Pug Myelopathy Project at Michigan State CVM is on the AVMA Clinical Study Database: ebusiness.avma.org/aahsd/study_search_detail.aspx?sid=312 |