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What is PDE?
PDE is an invariably fatal disease in the Pug which generally arises between 6 months and 7 years; however, the majority of Pugs affected are between 9 and 19 months of age. In clinical terms, the disease is described as a necrotizing meningoencephalitis. This description means that the brain and the layer of tissues surrounding the brain are abnormally inflamed. The term "necrotizing" describes the clinical way in which portions of the brain are literally dying. Although these portions may be very small, they are numerous and will cause severe and progressive neurologic symptoms. Specifically, symptoms of PDE include: seizure, pressing of the head against a wall or furniture, a staggering walk, apparent blindness, lethargy, depression, and neck pain. When first presenting symptoms, most pugs simply quit jumping on or off furniture as they once did casually and they appear to have a "stiff neck".
What is the treatment for PDE?
While a veterinarian may prescribe medication which will make the Pug feel more comfortable, there is currently no known cure for PDE nor are there medications to alleviate all the symptoms.
What causes PDE?
Many years of research have been dedicated to diagnosing and defining PDE. From this research, it has been determined that PDE is a very distinct, breed specific syndrome; however, the etiology of the disease has not been determined.
The breed predilection of PDE strongly suggests a genetic component to its occurrence, and most of the studied and reported cases are in dogs with common ancestors. This evidence further suggests a genetic component of PDE, but because of the lack of research into its etiology, this theory has not been definitively proven.
There have been suggestions that a viral infection may lead to PDE, but no one has been able to isolate viral particles from affected dogs. The most recent research verified that there are no viral components in pugs affected with PDE. Lastly, an autoimmune reaction has been suggested due to results from one affected Pug, but no further evidence of autoimmune reaction has been demonstrated in other Pugs.
How can I prevent PDE in my Pugs?
Since we do not know the cause of PDE, no one knows how to prevent it.
Why is this research important?
Currently, PDE is an invariably fatal disease. The first step in figuring out how to prevent or cure this devastating disease is to find out what is causing it.
Who may participate?
There are several categories of participants needed:
1) Pugs who are believed to have PDE
2) Relatives of Pugs diagnosed with PDE (histopathologically)
all first degree relatives (parents, littermates, offspring)
all half siblings
3) Relatives of Pugs suspected of having PDE (symptoms present, but no
histopathology done)
all first degree relatives (parents, littermates, offspring)
all half siblings
4) Pugs who are deceased due to PDE either histopathologically proven or
just suspected.
What will be required of participants?
For each participant, we will collect at least two buccal swabs. This collection involves simply scraping the inside of the dog's cheek with a sample brush. It is an entirely painless procedure, and the sample brushes can be easily returned to the investigator through regular mail with no special shipping requirements.
In addition to the basic information on the Participant's Form ( http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/greerlab/pde.htm ), additional information will be collected depending upon your above category (who may participate?):
1) Pedigree of dog displaying symptoms, with any family members having similar
symptoms marked
Copies of all laboratory work completed for Pug
Names of veterinarians caring for Pug
2) Pedigrees with affected clearly marked, and including relative being submitted
Copies of laboratory work on affected Pug
MRI and/ or CT results for affected pug
Histopathology results for affected Pug
Names of veterinarians caring for affected Pug
3) Pedigrees with affected clearly marked, and including relative being submitted
Copies of laboratory work on suspected Pug
MRI or CT results for suspected Pug
Names of veterinarians caring for suspected Pug
4) Pedigree information on the deceased Pug
Clinical examination data from the Pug
Laboratory results from the Pug
Any available necropsy information
How will the samples, pedigrees, and information be handled?
Upon receipt, each participant will be entered into a database and will be assigned a computer-generated code. The sample brushes and pedigrees will be labeled with this code at this point and will be referred to by code alone for all experiments, results, and any publications.
DNA will be extracted from the buccal brushes, and analyzed for similarities or differences among Pugs collected. The pedigree information will be statistically analyzed and vaccine/chronic illness/reaction data reviewed for possible links. Additional data, such as coat color, estrus cycle, and exposures will also be analyzed for statistical significance.
When will results be available?
The more participants we have, the sooner definitive results will be available. Overall, this will most likely be a long-term project taking several years to complete. Updates and "latest findings" will be posted on the Canine Genetics Research Laboratory webpage periodically: ( http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/cgr/currentprojects.htm ).
Where can I get more information about the study, or talk to someone personally?
Study information is posted on the Canine Genetics Research Laboratory webpage, through Texas A&M University. The address is: http://www.cvm.tamu.edu/greerlab/pde.htm
Detailed information is available at the Pug Dog Club of America website: http://www.pugs.org/indexhealth.htm
And also at the Pug Dog Club of Canada website: www.pugcanada.com
Canine Health and Neurological Disease Genetics Research
TAMU College of Veterinary Medicine
Dept. of Vet Pathobiology
4467 TAMU
College Station, TX 77843-4467
Lab Phone: (979) 862-2014 Lab Email:kgreerlab@cvm.tamu.edu |
Dr. Greer Phone: (979) 458-0128 Dr. Greer Email: kgreer@cvm.tamu.edu |