If you don’t
know what PDE (or more accurately, Necrotizing Meningoencephalitis (NME)) is,
please read my summary – What is PDE?, which I’ve updated and also briefly reference two other common
inflammatory central nervous system diseases, Granulomatous
Meningeoncephalomyelitis (GME) and Necrotizing Encephalitis (NE).
For those of
you who are new to this blog and Payton’s fight against PDE, I’d encourage you
to read through the compilation of posts that detail her experiences – Payton’s PDE Story.
Perhaps most
importantly, for those of you discovering Pugnacious P after a frantic Google
search suspecting your pug may have PDE, this post outlines what I would do
today. I am not a medical doctor or vet
of any kind, and I provide this information solely based on my experiences and
research trying to give Payton the best possible life. So please consult your veterinarian before
making any health related decisions about your pet.
Act fast.
You must act fast to give your pug a fighting chance. See a vet immediately and consult a
specialist/neurologist if at all possible.
Trust your instincts. Note that
some pugs do not display the entire classic profile for PDE so do not assume
that the list of symptoms you find in on-line resources is complete. Don’t be afraid to seek a second
opinion. Even Payton’s neurologist has
consulted on other cases around the world after being contacted from someone
who found this blog.
Treat.
It is imperative that treatment start immediately and aggressively if
your vet has diagnosed PDE/NME/GME/NE. Do
not let any discouraging words stop you from trying to save your pug. There IS hope! Many vets, and even some neurologists, are
just not familiar with PDE (and related inflammatory diseases) and not up to
date with successful treatments. Please
read the PDE Treatment Guide
I put together that summarizes the key medications that will fight this tough
disease. In this guide, you will also
find a link to the exact drugs that worked for Payton and another regimen from
a neurologist who claims to have dogs in remission. I’d highly recommend bringing those two
treatments to your first appointment.
Learn.
Do your homework and learn as much as you can. But realize that many on-line resources
contain narrowed thinking and incomplete or out of date information.
Hope.
Despite what most on-line resources imply, know that there is hope for a
quality life with successful treatments!
If you scan through other blog posts, it won’t take long to really get a
feel for the wonderfully adventurous life that Payton led despite having
PDE. She truly was a miracle, living with PDE for 5 ½ years to the age of
9.
Plan.
Unfortunately, there will come a time when we must say good-bye. Please think about allowing your pet to
become a part of a research effort when that time comes. Arrangements can be made for veterinary
pathologists to examine the brain tissue while still allowing your pet to be
cremated and returned to you. I know for
me, it is a comfort and gives meaning to all of Payton’s struggles, and I’m so
proud that she is still fighting against PDE by furthering Dr. Kimberly Greer’s
research. Through this research Payton
is helping other pugs and their families.
So please consider contacting Dr. Greer (PDE Research Information) or another PDE
researcher to discuss options. Note
that it is crucial to have their body refrigerated, NOT frozen, if you are
waiting for further instructions.
For those of
you who are wondering what you can do in the fight against PDE, consider some
of the following suggestions.
Share.
Raising awareness of this disease is crucial. Even some pug owners have never heard of PDE,
so talk to your pug friends about it.
Tell them about this blog.
Adopt.
Consider giving a rescued pug or other shelter animal a home, rather
than purchasing a puppy. There are
certainly reputable breeders that test for PDE, but adopting ensures that you
have not supported a puppy mill. Not
only will you have a pet that is so appreciative for a second chance at a good
life with a loving family, but older dogs are less likely to develop PDE.
Test.
If you breed pugs, please be responsible and test prospective mates in
hopes of eliminating the disease in future generations. UC Davis and Dr. Kimberly Greer developed a
susceptibility test (http://www.vgl.ucdavis.edu/services/PDE.php).
Donate.
Monetary donations are always welcomed for PDE research too. Sometimes
the grants and university funding doesn’t cover the medical and logistical
costs of helping families who choose to donate samples after their beloved pet
passes. (PDE Research Information)
I hope this
information has helped. There has been
much progress made in the research and treatment of this nasty disease, and I
look forward to the day when I can write about even more good news, perhaps a
future cure and prevention!
Love,
Christy (and
angel Payton in spirit)