of attention that are needed in Pugs
Signs of eye problems
a. squinting in one eye
b. gray or white cloudy spot on the eye
c. yellow or greenish color from eye
Signs of skin infection
a. redness and inflammation
b. oder
c. hair loss
Ulcers on the eye most often caused by an intital scratch or injury. They must receive immediated attion or there will be some loss of sight. Ulcers require a vet`attention to determine the best way to proceed with treatment. Some lines of Pugs can go though life without an eye problem, while others have chronic problems.
Dry Eye ( keratoconjuctivitis sicca )
Dogs with dry eye normally do not have shiney, glistening eyes, but rather have dull and rough-looking eyes. It is caused by the lack of tear production in the eye - either the nerves have failed to stemulate the tear glands, or the tear glands are no longer working, or the ducks that carry the tears to the eyes are blocked. Treatment may help depending on the cause of the problem.
Entropion
When a Pug has Entropion, the eyelids roll in, and the lashes or hair rub on the surface of the eye, irritating and causing minor scratches. If left untreated, in time, this can lead to a lessening of eyesight.Surgery can normally correct the problem.
Distichiasis
A double row of eyelashes, normally on lower eye, that works much the same way to irritate the eye that is seen in Entropion. Again, surgery is called for.
Trichiasis
Another eye problem, this time with ingrown eyelashes on upper lid, and again irritating the eye over the life of the dog. Correctable with surgery.
Bilateral Cataracts
Cataracts are any spot on the lens of the eye, causing at least some loss of vision. Some cataracts are heraditary and some are not. Surgery may help the dog recover some vision.
Pigmentary Keratitis
When eyes are irritated repeatedly, there is a bild up of a dark scar tissue on the eye. It appears as a brown stain that gradually covers the eye over time. This is a simptom of some chronic eye problem, either dry eye, entrpion, or ulcers. Treatment requires the removal of the original problem, then the use of cycosporine in drops or ointment form to remove the pigment. Sometimes surgery on the eye can help.
Narrow nostrils accur most commonly in dogs with flattened noses, such as Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and the Pug. The outer nasal openings are too small, making breathing through the nose difficult and noisy. A severely affected dog may only breath through the mouth.
If your pet shows discomfort or reduce tolerance, ask your veterinarian if surgial therapy would be beneficial.
Elongated Solf Palate
Long solf palate that covers the opening of the windpipe to various degree. The enlongated palate evenually becomes swollen and inflamed and futher impairs breathing. Once again, this accur most commonly in dog with flattened noses such as Pekingese, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs, and the Pug.
If your pet shows difficult and / or noisy breathing, frequent gagging or choking, difficulty swallowing, and coughing after eating or drinking, shortening of the solf palate can be corrected by sergery.
