DEVELOPMENTAL JOINT DISEASES

Pugs are bred to have an unnatural morphology. As such, a high rate of joint dysplasias is expected. The main challenge for carers of lame Pugs is knowing which of their abnormalities is responsible.

Hip dysplasia in Pugs. Elbow dysplasia in Pugs. Patellar luxation in Pugs

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) publishes inherited condition statistics. Pugs are ranked #1 for hip dysplasia and have a high risk of elbow dysplasia. Note: Data from breeding stock probably underestimates true incidence in the general population.

NEUTERING AND JOINT DISEASE

A 2020 study proposed a link between neutering and joint disease in some breeds. Neutering was not associated with increased risk in Pugs. To date, no studies have shown a causal relationship between neutering and joint disease.

Neutering risk in Pugs

Data sourced from Hart and others (2020). Note: This table reveals a critical limitation of observational studies. We’re given a false impression that 1% of Pugs have hip dysplasia. The truth is that 1% had a diagnosis of hip dysplasia. Dogs who didn’t have hip x-rays were classified as unaffected. Tap here to learn more about neutering risk.

 FORELIMB LAMENESS IN PUPPIES

Chronic forelimb lameness in immature Pugs warrants veterinary investigation. Elbow dysplasia is the most likely cause, and prompt treatment can improve long-term prognosis. 

Radial physeal dysplasia is unique to Pug puppies. It typically causes chronic forelimb lameness in 4-7 month old Pugs. X-rays confirm the diagnosis (see animation).

  • The commonest cause of chronic forelimb lameness is arthritis secondary to elbow dysplasia.

    • Most Pugs have hip dysplasia. An x-ray diagnosis is only relevant if other joint disorders have been ruled out.

    • Severe hindlimb lameness in puppies could indicate Perthe’s disease (hip osteoporosis). Breed risk is 66x higher than average.

    • Over a ten year period, 9 hip replacements were registered in a UK surgical database. Another operation called femoral head and neck excision (FHNE) is a common treatment for clinically important hip dysplasia and Perthe’s disease.

    • Patellar luxation and patellar subluxation are more common than cruciate ligament injuries. Breed-rank for patellar luxation is #16 in the USA, and #7 in the UK. Patellar subluxation (also known as abnormal patellar tracking) is common but difficult to diagnose.

    • ACL injuries are also common in Pugs. They can occur at the same time as patellar luxation in adults. Tap here to learn more about diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries.

  • One-third of Pugs develop a non-painful hindlimb gait abnormality termed ataxia. It’s usually caused by a defect in spinal development. The problem can become severe in old age. Tap here to learn more.