“A THERAPEUTIC WHEELED CART, CAREFULLY FITTED BY A KNOWLEDGEABLE PROFESSIONAL, MAY EXERCISE THE REAR LEGS TO ASSIST, IMPROVE, AND EXTEND THE ABILITY TO REMAIN MOBILE.”
veterinarian arrange a referral for an examination by a board-certified vet- erinary neurologist or surgeon as soon as possible. In Pug Myelopathy, both bony (ver- tebral) and spinal cord abnormalities are found in most cases. Almost all purebred Pugs have hypoplastic (under- developed) or aplastic (absent) facet articulations between the vertebrae of the mid to lower back. These are best seen with a CT scan, but to understand lesions potentially compressing the spinal cord, an MRI is the preferred diagnostic test. Currently there is no way to predict which Pugs will develop a neurological disease at 7-12 years of age, long after a successful show and breeding career
has occurred. Using state-of-the art canine genetic tools, scientists at Pur- due University will begin to investigate the genetic variants underlying these canine spinal abnormalities, hopefully leading to the development of genetic tests. Such tests would allow breeders to screen for clinically relevant spinal abnormalities, and examine possible inheritance, while selecting for desired breed characteristics. A genetic test may also identify individual dogs “at risk” for Pug Myelopathy syndromes, be used to aid in diagnosis of an affected dog, and/ or supplement a prognosis after spinal injury or trauma. Genetic screening would improve the welfare and well- being of purebred Pugs, and provide direction in reducing other inherited
disorders in purebred dogs. To submit case history and medical records, test results and images, and pedigrees and DNA samples from affected Pugs please contact Dr. Smiler. A clinical study to examine the benefits of rehabilitation and physical therapy for long term nurs- ing care is also in development. To obtain more information on Pug Myelopathy please contact: Kathleen L. Smiler, DVM, DACLAM; smilerk@mindspring.com. Our websites: http://pugrearataxia- paralysis.com/ and http://www.pug- dogclubofamerica.com/pug-myelopa- thy.html. Our Facebook Page: https://www. facebook.com/Pug-Dog-Health-Rear- AtaxiaParalysis-218123938233440/. Wonderful Wheelie Pugs Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/wheeliepugs/. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Dr. Kathleen Smiler’s Pug, 7-year- old Lily (pictured left), was affected in 2005 by an almost unknown rear limb weakness first recognized at Auburn University. In the past 12 years Kathleen has increased aware- ness, promoted research, and devel- oped resources for Pug owners to pro- vide long term home nursing care for their own disabled dogs. Dr. Smiler is a 1970 graduate of the Michigan State University, College of Veteri- nary Medicine. Her work experience in research combines purebred dog practice with basic investigative sci- ence. She has held offices in many vet- erinary medical organizations, and is currently the Michigan Delegate to the AVMA.
312 • S HOW S IGHT M AGAZINE , M ARCH 2019
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