Symptoms similar to Down syndrome in Pugs
There is no confirmed claim on Down syndrome in dogs, especially Pugs, while a study on the issue is still limited. Till now, no evidence of canine Down syndrome has been found, and no dog with Down syndrome has ever been recognized.
Down syndrome is characterized by intellectual impairment and distinctive facial characteristics. A Down syndrome Pug suffers from a profound impact of this rare health condition. For animals with Down’s syndrome, particularly in babies, Down syndrome is by far the most well-known source of abnormalities and mental impairment.
Do Pugs suffer from Down syndrome?
No! The Down syndrome in Pugs or any other dog breed has not been studied yet, and there can be mainly three reasons for this:
- Dogs are not affected by this disease at all.
- Dogs with certain chromosomal anomalies are more likely to succumb to an early death.
- Dogs with Down syndrome cannot be identified since genetic testing hasn’t been done yet.
A kind of Down syndrome in Pugs:
Now, we are pretty much clear that Pugs are not prone to Down syndrome. But several characteristics of pugs resemble those of Down syndrome. They indeed have a flat face, but it’s a hallmark of all brachycephalic dogs, and you have to know that they were bred intentionally to appear like it. Among the diseases similar to Down syndrome in Pugs, congenital hypothyroidism is one of the most striking examples. A low or missing thyroid hormone level at birth or early in life causes congenital hypothyroidism.
Symptoms similar to Down syndrome in Pugs:
This condition in Pugs promotes various kinds of poor health conditions. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms, then you must take him to the vet for a checkup and test, following which he will inform you of your Pug’s medical condition:
- Cataract or poor eyesight
- Poor hearing ability
- Abnormal facial features
- Deformed organs and limbs
- Thyroid issues
- Weak bladder
- Slow physical and intellectual growth
- Blood discharge
- Congenital abnormalities
- High body temperature
- Skin diseases
Want to know more about Down syndrome symptoms in Pugs? Visit here.
