Pug Times Magazine #2 - English by Pug Times Magazine

2016 - YEAR 1 / ISSUE 02 WWW.PUGTIMESMAGAZINE.COM PUGTIMESMAGAZINE@GMAIL.COM

And And also also

Anaesthetizing Anaesthetizing

Pugs

Entropion Surgery

CHINESE

VETERINARY DIETOTHERAPY Natural Food 1

EDITORIAL

ugs are unpredictable. They can keep sleeping soundly when a guest comes to the house as much as they can behave like a watchdog, barking bravely to the intruder. But even in that case, the bravery doesn’t last long: soon he will be on the “suspect’s” lap, who had made them charge ferociously at the arrival.

That’s how they are, surprising, our beloved Pugs! Those who have, know it! Those who own them understand why, in such a short time after arriving at the new home, everyone in the house will be naturally talking to them, sometimes having long conversations, that how “humane” they show themselves to be.

VIDEO

ÍNDICE

And for the same reason we get happy to talk about them, share experiences, and publishing the second issue of our magazine. The success of the first one motivates us to go on always seeking the subjects of most interest for the breed. Following the Traditional Chinese Medicine, we bring the article about Chinese Veterinary Dietotherapy, the natural food that brought so much health to our Pugs, after four years adopting natural food, raising significantly both health and survival time. We will also talk about the eyes, a delicate matter. And we will approach a great concern, a real ghost that haunts us: aneaesthetizing Pugs. Not disregarding opinions, questions and the important accounts of a seasoned breeder and a loving owner. And finally, a very recurring question: adopting or buying the Pug of your dreams? We thank everyone who took part so promptly after our invitation, enriching this issue. We hope that the issue 2 of our magazine can bring information and fun to our readers. We suggest that it be enjoyed having, preferably, at least one Pug by your side, snoring loudly, on the sofa!

EASTERN MEDICINE CHINESE VETERINARY DIETOTHERAPY

WESTERN MEDICINE

ANAESTHETIZING PUGS WESTERN MEDICINE

ENTROPION SURGERY

08 16

EDITORIAL

That’s why Pug owners and breeders are so absolutely dedicated and almost obsessed for them, the coolest kids on the block!

BUYING VERSUS ADOPTING

A DILEMMA FOR MANY PEOPLE

BREEDER’S EXPERIENCES

INTERVIEW WITH: KARIN GRAMBITTER (SUNSHINE PUG KENNEL) H OW TO D E A L HOW TO DEAL WITH

EYE COMPLICATIONS

I T H A P P E N E D TO M E

BY SONIA BLANCO CARREIRO L E TT E R S F R O M O U R R E A D E R S

QUESTIONS FROM OUR READERS ANSWERED

BY EXPERIENCED BREEDERS

S TA F F Editor-in-Chief and Director: Angela Nabuco Cover shot: Bruno Santos Rocha Photos: All dog photos are properties from Nabuco Kennel, or sent and authorized by the owners. Advisors of this issue: Dr Jorge da Silva Pereira e Dra Priscilla Cesário Vieira Associates of this issue: Dr William Costa Estellai, Karin Grambitter, Dra Daniela Vampré, Dr. Jorge Pereira e Sonia Blanco Carreiro. English Version: Ramon Xavier Monteiro Art direction, design and illustration: Inhamis Studio Ads, suggestions and claims: pugtimesmagazine@gmail.com

Good reading for everyone!

C O N TA C T

Angela Nabuco Editor

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BUYING VERSUS ADOPTING

A dilemma for many people

his is a dilemma for many people: buying the Pug of their dreams or adopting a rescued Pug? In both situations, you will be filled with joy. A Pug, whether pedigreed or not, having his body constitution in larger or smaller conformity to the breed pattern, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a puppy, and adult or an elderly, he will always devote immense love for every human. Because this is how Pugs are and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what makes them happy. There are countless groundless beliefs regarding adopted dogs. Regarding a Pug, he will have absolutely no difficulty in adapting himself to the new home, specially having come from an unloving and mistreating background. It is more likely that, after a very short period of time, his sad face will give in to shiny and joyful eyes, a common trait for Pugs. His lowered tail will curl over his back, and he will quickly be walking through the new home like he is the owner and lord to everything. His gratitude will be eternal, and nobody can forget the passion that a rescued dog looks at his savior. He might bring along some health issues, and some of them might not have many years to live with the new family, due to advanced age or mistreatment they have un-

dergone, but all will be rewarded by the joy of giving a happy life to someone who suffered so much, because rescue stories are really impressive, astonishing by the confirmation of how far human cruelty can get! On the other hand, we notice some resistance, even discrimination from many people towards breeders, by asking themselves:

WHY BREEDING, IF THERE ARE SO MANY DOGS, INCLUDING PUGS, FOR ADOPTION? Breeding and selling dogs is not always considered ethical. We do consider that breeding and selling without giving them deserving love and care, exploring bitches and stud dogs, discarding them when old or sick due to lack of veterinarian assistance and basic health care during their lifespan, selling puppies without worrying about the future they will have, really sets lack of love and, in many cases, cruelty. The act of breeding per se does not represent a mistake when made with responsibility and care.

BUYING VERSUS ADOPTING

“And for those who choose to get involved with rescues, being an adopter, as moderator for teams, financial supporter or of any kind, the best was reserved. ”

BUYING VERSUS ADOPTING

We consider the serious breeder as a guardian for the traits and the health of a breed. He is the one who takes care of the litter and selects dogs and bitches able to transfer their genes. He is the one who takes responsibility for the puppy he raised, he is the one who handpicks and guides the new owner, giving him warranties, watching out for the decent life the puppies deserve by right. And what

would be the future of a breed if it were handed only to so-called “garage” breeders? Those who mate indiscriminately inbred or sick dogs? Many breeders, like anyone sensitive to the suffering of a living being, also rescue or support rescue teams. We know that every prejudice is loaded with falsehood that is spread to others, building more prejudice and unfairness. And good breeders mustn’t be judged like that. So don’t blame yourself if you prefer to have a puppy from a responsible breeder, if you are devoting him love and care for all his life. Each one of us has the role that has been designated, and fulfilling it well is always reason for joy and accomplishment.

Rescue stories are really impressive, astonishing by the confirmation of how far human cruelty can get. And for those who choose to get involved with rescues, being an adopter, as moderator for teams, financial supporter or of any kind, the best was reserved. For not the birth of a beautiful litter, nor the prize of Best in Show in a disputed exhibition, nor the purchase of a gorgeous puppy can compare to the joy of a rescue. Many times strenuous, raising funds, traveling long distances to fetch the Pug and receiving him with arms wide open, swallowing words wished to be said to those who mistreated or didn’t take care of him, so the success of the task is not compromised. Then taking care of emotional or physical scarring

BUYING VERSUS ADOPTING

Breeding or acquiring is enthralling, but rescuing and adopting is simply divine! of that dog and finally giving or receiving him in adoption, or just by seeing him through pictures, fully recovered and enjoying a decent happy life at the new home.

VIDEO

A girl and her rescued pug: â&#x20AC;&#x153;You brighten up my life!â&#x20AC;?

Because breeding or acquiring is enthralling, but rescuing and adopting is simply divine!

EASTERN MEDICINE

CHINESE VETERINARY DIETOTHERAPY if the dog food is the best option for the animal, why are they served natural food when they are sick? BY D R. WI L L I A M CO STA ESTELLA I

have spent the whole five years of Veterinary Medicine school hearing (and reading) that dry food was the best food for the canine. However, in the face of some diseases, like gastroenteritis, many different authors of Western medical clinic suggested cutting out the dry food and offering rice, potatoes and chicken to the animal. As the animal’s health improved, dry food was gradually reintroduced. That is, when the dog was sick, natural food was used; when he got better, back to the dry food. Hence the doubt: if the dry food is the best option for the animal, why are they served natural food when they are sick? After graduated, I grew interest for Acupuncture. Through it I met and started applying Phytotherapy and Dietotherapy, that together are the foundation for Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Through the years of prescription on Dietotherapy, I could follow on my patients and on my own pets, the improvement of quality of life, mood, fur, the twinkle in their eyes, besides faeces and urine quality. These aspects are very much regarded and taken into consideration by veterinarians to clinically define an animal as healthy. The first theories on Chinese Dietetics are dated to the 2nd century B.C. In the book “The Simple Questions”, it is said that “phytotherapic medicines are used to fight ailments. Cereals are used to nourish the body and fruit, meat and vegetables to aid on the efforts – all working together to reinforce Vital QI and Essence.” Exploring functions of food is a way of preserving health, preventing and treating diseases.

EASTERN MEDICINE FreeImages.com/Martin Carter

QI is the Energy that feeds life to the world. Without QI, life ceases to exist. The individual is born with pre-Celestial QI, inherited from parents. Then he develops from Celestial QI gathered from the air and Terrestrial QI, derived from feeding. When absorbed, these Energies will be part of the organism, nourishing, strengthening, repairing, and harmonizing the energetic and physiological functions. With proper food combination, it is possible to create an array of therapeutic effects. The theory of YIN/YANG can be used to explain the physiology and pathology of the animal, both for diagnosis and treatment.YIN/ YANG, conceptualizes two different aspects, opposite and indivisible that fill and balance each other dynamically.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Through the years of prescription on Dietotherapy, I could follow on my patients and on my own pets, the improvement of quality of life, mood, fur, the twinkle in their eyes, besides faeces and urine qualityâ&#x20AC;?

EASTERN MEDICINE

YIN ANIMALS NI G H T CAL M CO L D ABD OME N P H YS I CAL MATT E R WAR M F O O D Lamb Chicken liver Chicken White Rice Oat Citric Ginger Garlic Pepper Pumpkin Squash

EASTERN MEDICINE

Thus, the Chinese Dietotherapy guides that YANG animals, that is, lively, who feel hot, shall eat Cooler or Colder food. YIN animals, that are calm and feel cold, shall feed mostly on Hot and Caloric food.

YANG ANIMALS DAY LI VELY HE AT BACK FUNCTI O N

Fish Turkey Duck Tofu Whole-meal rice Wheat Banana Egg Celery Spinach Broccoli

FreeImages.com/iliana , jweston, Robert Owen-Wahlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, Alessandro Paiva, pachd, Marco Michelini, John Doe e emre nacigil

CO O L FO O D

EASTERN MEDICINE

Food can also be used by the principle of similarity. We use foods that have similar activity or approximated form to tone up a particular organ. For example, to tone up the Kidney, we can offer bovine kidney or beans, which are shaped similarly to the organ. Chicken or bovine can be used to treat problems in the dog’s liver. A walnut looks like a brain. So it can be used to treat brain ailments. And so on. Chinese Dietotherapy correlates colors and flavors on food for organ treatment. Being so, red and bitter food treat the Heart; green, acid and bitter treat the Liver; yellow and sweet treat the Spleen/Pancreas; white (gray) and spicy, the Lung; and the black (dark) and savory treat the Kidney.. Food can influence over the body in these following ways: • DIRECTION: By directing the QI movement, of the blood and bodily fluids upwards, downwards, outwards or inwards, according to what’s needed. For example, barley directs fluids downward, helping the elimination in the treatment of animals with fluid retention in the lungs (Pulmonary edema) and abdomen (ascites). • FLAVORS: are classified in sweet, sour, pungent (spicy), savory and bitter. The sweet help in digestion and QI. The savory are often used as attempt to dissolve tumors and cysts. The sour work drying up the mucus. The pungent are used to promote sweating, stimulate blood circulation and assist digestion.

Bitter also assist digestion; some have cooling and anti-inflammatory effects. • TEMPERATURE OR THERMAL NATURE: food can be cooling, warm, hot or neutral. Hot food can benefit elderly animals that feel very cold. • AFFINITY TO MERIDIANS: food has affinity for determined meridians in the Five Elements system. Meridians are essential connections or paths where QI and blood run, and also control physiological activities from organs by their influence on one another.

Climate changes have significant effects on psychological and pathological body functions. Food offered by the nature fit the subject to the current season of the year. In Spring and Summer, flower and leaves are abundant, leafy greens and fruit are largely available, and are useful for keeping the body temperature cooler. In Fall and Winter the energy tends to focus on plant roots that, if consumed, will help warming the body. Fruits from the Fall tend to humidify the lungs (humidification helps the Lung to work properly, since the dryness of the fall brings problems). Roots strengthen the Kidney during Winter (since Cold harms the Kidney). An unbalanced diet, be it in quantity and/ or quality, can result in diseases. For example: Cold food in excess can cause YIN-like diseases (Cold), like non-volatile diarrhea, softened stool with undigested food, vomit with chunks of food, abdomen pain, bowel sounds. The excessive consumption of energetically

IIt is important to say that a homemade diet is different from rests of food.

• Food prepared for your dog must be cooked, because they don’t chew the food. Their teeth were designed, primitively, to cut meat.

Maitake) that have verified anti-cancerous properties. The guidance on chosen food and veterinarian follow-up for the animal are essential. During these years, I could testify that, in practice, dry food is no more the only option for dog feeding. They can benefit even more from Dietotherapy, of a solid and reliable base, build over more than almost four thousand years of knowledge on Traditional Chinese Medicine and used more and more nowadays.

EASTERN MEDICINE

Cold and raw food can weaken Spleen (organ responsible for transforming food into Energy). In this case, heating (cooking), or consuming it alongside calorific food, like pepper, ginger, garlic, neutralizes these harmful effects.

Besides that, their bowels are shorter than the men’s. Primarily carnivores, they became true omnivores through the long living with men, so we must help them to digest food correctly. Meat can be cooked alongside cereals and vegetables. The cooking must be made on low heat and in a way that the water is reabsorbed by the food. Cooked food helps specially elderly or sick patients on the assimilation, augmentation and absorption of Vital Energy (QI). Chinese Dietotherapy can help patients in some special cases, like oncological ones, through the inclusion of garlic, saffron, tomatoes and mushrooms (Agaricales, Shitake,

William Costa Estellai Veterinarian Doctor – CRMV/MG 10356 Postgraduated in Veterinarian Acupuncture Juiz de Fora – MG w.estellai@hotmail.com

WESTERN MEDICINE

PUG ANESTHESIA A matter of knowledge and confidence BY D R. DANI ELA VA MP RĂ&#x2030;

he Veterinary Medicine, in recent times, advanced the anesthetic method in relation to the emergence of new drugs, techniques and equipment. However, even with the technology available, the presence of a specialist in the area is essential. At the time of leaving the health of animals in the care of a professional, trust is essential. The anesthesiologist is responsible for the maintenance of vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate and respiratory rate, among other body functions.

It is their role, prior to performing the surgical intervention, carrying out a detailed pre-anesthetic evaluation. It is extremely important to determine the animal’s health, investigate hidden diseases, determine the best anesthetic and analgesia protocol for each animal, varying the weight, race, age, condition, type of surgery and time duration of surgery. Some breeds among them, pugs, need more attention from anesthesiologists, because they belong to a group called brachycephalic (flat nose). Some anesthetic particularities in relation to this group are due to some anatomical changes as short snout that decreases nasal air exchange space and increases air resistance and can cause what is called bronchospasm and collapsing trachea. The stenotic nostril and elongated soft palate make troublesome ventilation with higher risk of airway obstruction and can lead to complications. Some pre-anesthetic medications are also considered contraindicated for the breed by having a greater anaphylactic reaction rate. Due to the difficulty of ventilation, the immediate postoperative period of this breed patients should be monitored judiciously and with constant vigilance, until they can return to breathe the air, still with pulse oximetry for better security in relation to saturation (oxygenation).

Considering surgery a delicate moment, it is essential interaction between the owner and the veterinarian anesthesiologist, that during the pre-anesthetic evaluation will have access to both the physical examination, the behavior of the patient, getting information that will become extremely important to the proper choice of the anesthetic protocol to be used. Information such as temperament, age, previous illnesses, medications, any allergies, previous surgeries, are of great value to the anesthetist, who according to the individual need will make the request for pre-anesthetic tests such as blood tests, electrocardiogram, echocardiogram, to It is essential ensure peace of mind interaction between during the anesthetic procedure.

WESTERN MEDICINE

Only the anesthetist is able to prevent, diagnose and treat the complications that can occur during anesthesia, and decide which anesthetic technique is safer according to each patient and each situation.

the owner and the veterinarian anesthesiologist.

Just as the anesthesiologist will better understand your patient, the owner can also take your questions and concerns to the anesthesiologist who will be able to answer such questions. There are some common questions, such as type of anesthesia used, recovery time, time of fasting, anesthetic risks and others that should be taken at the time of pre-anesthetic consultation, establishing a bond of trust between the owner and the anesthesiologist.

Dra. Daniela Vampré Graduated in Veterinary Medicine – 2006 Post graduated in Veterinary Anesthesiology – 2008 Post graduated in Veterinary Cardiology - 2016 Contact: danivet2006@hotmail.com

WESTERN MEDICINE

CARUNCLE ENTROPY SURGERY AND NASAL FOLD TRICHIASIS BY DR. JORG E P EREIRA

reeds known as “brachycephalic”, of short muzzle, present a skull shape in which the inward folding of the inferior eyelids in the area of medial corner (inside) of the eyes is favored, together with the area from where the muzzle protrudes. With this inversion of the medial corner of the eyelids, skin hair (trichiasis) when rubbing the surface of the eyeball cause chronic irritation and follows inflammation, vascular growth and pigment deposition (melanin) on the cornea. These pigments compromise the clarity of the cornea and, if not addressed properly, can lead to serious sight damage. Pugs specifically also have prominent nasal fold. Hair from this fold can, similarly, rub the eyeball, causing or aggravating chronic eye trauma. Years ago, cases of over-prominent folds were corrected by amputating the folds, what aesthetically deprived the head of the animal. Currently, as demonstrated in congress by the Colégio Latino Americano de Oftalmologistas Veterinários (Ophtalmologist Veterinarians Latin American School) by Liebercknecht and

associates, treatments for both caruncle entropy surgery and nasal fold trichiasis can be done through radiofrequency thermotherapy.

It is a procedure without cutting or amputating folds, that allows to preserve the aesthetics and grace of our beautiful Pug friends. If, for any reason, the clarity of the cornea is completely compromised, the animal might recover his sight with an “automatized lamellar keratectomy” procedure, which aims giving clarity back to corneal. These set situations are likely to happen to any breed, stressing the occurrence for flat-muzzled ones. In this sense, the advice given here is for the laymen not to just accept sight loss or blindness for their pet. One shall look for a veterinarian ophthalmologist. Who knows, maybe he can be happy again?

WESTERN MEDICINE

THAT THE LAYMEN NOT TO JUST ACCEPT SIGHT LOSS OR BLINDNESS FOR THEIR PET AND INSTEAD LOOK FOR A VETERINARIAN OPHTHALMOLOGIST. THERMOTHERAPY FOR MEDIAL CORNER AND NASAL FOLD JO RGE DA SILVA P E REIR A

VIDEO

AUTOMATIZED LAMELLAR KERATECTOMY

Graduated at UFF in 1981 Post-graduated at Caspary Reserch Institute, NY - 1990 Post-graduated at Harbour UCLA, LA -1996 Master’s degree at Olphthalmology at UFRRJ - 2003 Pioneer at Phacoemulsification and intraocular implants in Latin America, creator of mechanized SALK technique, to give back sight lost due to chronic pigmentary keratitis to brachycephalic dogs. Member of the Academia de Medicina Veterinária (Veterinary Medicine Academy) in the state of Rio de Janeiro.

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Graduated Ophthalmologist by Colégio Latino Americano de oftalmologistas Veterinários – CLOVE (Latin American School for Veterinary Ophthalmologists).

BREEDERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S EXPERIENCES

KARI N G R A M B I TT E R Sunshine Pug Kennel Bellheim, Alemanha First at all I would like to say thank you for asking me to give you an interview. This is a great honour for me. Let me introduce myself. My name is Karin Grambitter and I am the owner of Sunshine Pug Kennel. I live with my husband (who also is a Pug lover) in a small town called Bellheim in the south part of Germany. We own a house with a very big yard. So everything is just perfect for having dogs.

MY EXPERIENCE

AS A PUG BREEDER

1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BREEDING PUGS AND WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE BREED? I felt in love with the breed in 1989. Pugs are the best companions you can imagine. They have a wonderful temperament, power, energy, always happy and very social. It was always my dream to breed Pugs. So I bought my first Pug in 1998. It was a Pet, but it was the beginning of a dream coming true.

2. TELL US ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE ON THE RING. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO ONE WHO WANTS TO SHOW HIS PUG? First you should read the Breed Standard. Go to dogshows and just learn from watching. Try to find a Mentor. Go to Handling Classes. If you are going to show your dog, be sure, that you have already learned the basics. Only bring a clean dog to a show, it should be in perfect condition mental and health-wise. When you lose, never forget, your dog is still the same. The dog is never guilty. It is the Judge’s opinion which comes first. You have to learn sportsmanship. I have seen and I still see many dogs in the ring which do not have the quality I prefer. In my country 99 % of the show dogs are owner handled. My dogs are very successful in the showring, but at home they lead a normal dog life. Chilling on the couch, digging in the yard, playing and having fun.

3. IN YOUR OPINION WHICH ARE THE MAIN HEALTH PROBLEMS OF THE BREED? HOW DO YOU PREVENT AND DEAL WITH THEM? My dogs are coming from healthy American bloodlines. In Germany all Pugs with FCI Pedigrees have to make twice a Health test. This is done the first time by the age of 12 months and again when they are 24 month old. They have to walk 1000 meters in 11 minutes. The dogs were checked before and after by a Veterinarian and if they do not recover within max.15 minutes, it is not allowed to breed with them. We check Patella and they must be 0/0 luxation. I never would take a dog with health problems for my breeding. It is very important to take very good care of them, with good food, enough space, other friendly dogs and loving owners.

BREEDER’S EXPERIENCES

In 2003 Sunshine Pug was registered with the VDH/ FCI. Over the years we have finished more than 80 Champion Titles, which includes 12 International Champions (9 of them are my own breeding). They won twice (2009 and 2010) the title “Belgian Winner” with a male and with a bitch at one of the biggest Belgian Shows. Several of our dogs already won the prestigious titles Bundeswinner and European Winner at the biggest show in Dortmund, Germany. We got many times the first place in breeders group and in brace. Also Best Veteran and Best Baby. I travel to Dogshows in Switzerland, Luxemburg, Belgian and the Netherlands and show them also very successful in these foreign countries.

4. WHAT IS MORE PLEASANT AND WHAT IS MORE DIFFICULT ABOUT BREEDING PUGS FOR YOU? It’s wonderful to raise puppies. First planning a litter. Which bitch to which dog and what do I want to improve. Then comes the time when you get excited if she is pregnant, then comes the birth, which is always a wonder for me. Watching the newborn puppies, how they develop. I enjoy every minute with them. That’s not only a great time for me, also it is important for the puppies to be handled, huged and loved. You ask what is difficult in breeding Pugs. I do not find that there is something more difficult in breeding Pugs than in other Breeds. I have

BREEDER’S EXPERIENCES

lived with Bull terriers, Airedale terriers, Mixbreeds and Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds). If you take care of your dogs, have them in great condition, than you deal with much less problems.

5. WHAT WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR THE BEGINNER BREEDER? Go to dogshows and make connections with breeders and handlers. Try to find a Mentor. Go to Seminars and be a Member of the Club. Look how your new family member was raise, how do the parents and the other dogs look like. Will the breeder also be there for you, when you have left with the puppy? And will he answer your questions, when you have some? If you find the right breeder sometimes this is the start of a lifetime friendship. Never stop learning. I still do attend seminars to be up to date.

Try to buy the best. Never be satisfied. Think always about the Breed Standard. Never think about money, but if the best is good enough for the show and your breeding program. If a beginner would ask me, I would tell him to buy the best bitch he can get. I prefer a dog from a linebreeding. Breeding two foreign dogs together is like a lottery. If you want to get your own Type you have to do linebreeding. Our dogs including the puppies are living with us. We do not have a kennel facility. They spend lots of time in the big yard, where they can play and chase each other, digging whole, sunbathing or laying in the shade under a bush or tree. Even when the weather is not as good, they go outside to have their exercise. Because it´s important for their health and their condition. When I keep a dog it will stay with me his entire life. If you don´t do it with Love and Passion, don´t start to own, show or breed dogs.

H OW TO D E A L

HOW WE DEAL WITH EYE COMPLICATIONS HE WOKE UP OPENING AN EYE NARROWER THAN THE OTHER. TEARING A LOT. AND HE DIDNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T PLAY AS USUAL. HE IS QUIET IN A CORNER. WHAT IS GOING ON?

H OW TO D E A L

WE CAN COMPARE THE CORNEA TO A WATCH CRYSTAL. IT IS THE FOREMOST PART OF THE EYE, AND IT MUST BE ALWAYS KEPT TRANSPARENT, ALLOWING SEEING THROUGH. The enervation is the cornea protection. It has a large amount of nerve endings, making trauma very painful. Due to the amount of nerve endings, an assault causes severe pain, as a sign of alert. And a squeezed eye is a sign of pain. This is an urgent case, and the dog must be examined and treated by a veterinarian ophthalmologist, both for pain relief and for sight maintenance guarantee, or even eyeball integrity. But not only traumas affect the eyes of the Pug. Some pathologies strike them commonly, causing equally devastating effects, in case they are not diagnosed and treated in time.

Pug is much more likely to have eye trauma and diseases. The lack of a muzzle deprives him of protection against sharp objects that directly hit his eyes. Playing with other dogs can also result in trauma, what is common in litters, in which nails are not frequently cut, since birth. In these cases, the cornea might have been wounded, causing a contaminated process of ulceration.

Some breeds, especially Pugs, have an inflammatory response, of the autoimmune kind, developing brown pigmentation that grows slowly, covering the cornea and impairing sight (pigmentary keratopathy). The more severe the lesion, the faster the pigmentation grows from inner corner to the center of the cornea, maybe taking all of it. It is up to the owner or breeder to identify the pigmentation early, and once it has been detected, take the Pug to the veterinarian ophthalmologist. He is the one who will point and treat the cause, and control the spread of the membrane with medicine, or even surgery, in most advanced cases, in which sight is severely compromised. Cornea pigmentation (pigmentary keratopa-

thy) will need the daily use of medication through all the Pug’s life to slow membrane growth and avoid losing sight with the passing of the years. The surgery for the membrane removal does not mean medication will not be necessary for as long as the Pug lives.

Many Pugs have the eyelid turned in, and eyelashes turn to be aggression agents, which is named entropion, that must be surgically treated. The conformation of the fold over the nose makes its occurrence more common. If cornea damage is not too severe, one should ideally wait until the head finishes its growth for the surgery, which happens until the dog is 2 years old, regarding Pugs, and that many times ends up with entropion vanishing, or decreasing the range of correction. Until that date, he must be followed by the veterinarian ophthalmologist, so the need for surgical correction can be evaluated at the proper age. There are still veterinarians who recommend the removal of the nasal fold as entropion treatment. More modern procedures avoid this extreme measure, that can be considered mutilation. Another common affliction for Pugs is dry eyes, that is, insufficient tear production, alongside their early evaporation, which also demands the use of tear replacement for the whole life of the Pug. Ophthalmology is approached very superficially in the education of the general practitioner, both in human and veterinary Medicine. This is why we want to stress the relevance of evaluating your Pug with a veter-

Regarding the selection for breeding Pugs in the kennel, ideally the selected ones shouldn’t present ophthalmological problems. But as they are common to the breed, the breeder can at least pick the least affected ones.

H OW TO D E A L

Cornea pigmentation inarian ophthalmologist, (pigmentary keratopathy) specialized in the field. We cite in this article will need the daily use of the most common medication through all the Pug’s life to slow membrane ailments, but there are others, and only he growth and avoid losing can diagnose and treat sight with the passing them safely and responof the years. sibly.

A blind dog can move normally in a place he knows well. A blind dog can move normally in a place he knows well. Ideally his bed shouldn’t be moved, or his food and water bowls, as well as house furniture, so he can find himself without impediments. So they can stay healthy, our Pugs’ eyes will demand observation and attention daily and constantly. Like everything else in their health, as delicate as the love they devote to us. Angela Nabuco Ophthalmological Doctor

IT HAPPENED

TO ME IT HAPPENED TO ME

BY S ONI A BL ANCO C ARREIRO

ome years ago, after many problems, including a miscarriage at four months pregnant and finding out I have lupus, I started to feel very sick, I thought it was a heart problem because I felt palpitations, sweating and I got very tired when performing any everyday life activity. But when I had an appointment with a cardiologist, he addressed me to a psychiatrist, because the symptoms meant panic disorder, not heart-related problems. That was when a huge war was waged, one that many times I believed to be losing, because with Panic Disorder, depression ensued and, according to my psychiatrist, my social confinement state could last more than two years... much more. At the time, I stopped working because I was very afraid of people, including my children and husband. I spent nine months in recluse because I simply couldn’t even talk to people, so afraid I was. The computer was my only means of communication by then, but if I got a prompt answer to a message I had written, I would leave the internet out of fear, an inexplicable fear that only those who feel it know what it is. I was advised by a friend into adopting

a Pug breed dog, in one of the messages I received. I gave it a lot of thought, because among many of the requirements, one frightened me go fetch her personally where she was, and that meant I had to leave home, see people, drive a car. I was terrified, but my will to adopt a Pug was huge, and then I started to realize that a Pug can change someone’s life. I went to meet her, and quite frankly, I can’t even tell how I could reach where she was. I was taken there by my great companion, husband and friend Jose Carlos. At arrival, they brought me a chubby Pug, which was a former bitch of the kennel, I got her in my lap and she looked at me so profoundly with her deep pitch black eyes that it was love at first sight. I signed all the papers, paid for the sterilization and took her home, a new life for both of us.

When I went to the psychiatrist, he was surprised, because in three months, Mortadela (Baloney, in English) the name given to the Pug, had operated a real miracle: we were walking every day; I took her to the vet, to the pet shop. With all these changes in my life and seeing how well she made me, I promised her I would help the Pug dogs, rescuing bitches and directing them to new homes. After all, she managed to do something I had lost the faith on myself. After Mortadela’s arrival, in three months I was out on the streets, we walked every day and I could return to life! After Mortadela, Pug Zoey came, still a puppy, also an amazing experience to have such a charming and lovely puppy, like a Pug puppy is. Along came Pug Julieta, eleven months old, this with only 20% sight in one of her eyes, the other completely blind, Pug Romeu (deceased at the age of six due to hepatic disease), Pug Tati (deceased at the age of

eleven due to lung cancer), Pug Pipoca, the only black Pug in the gang, Pug Penelope, a charming disabled Pug which is very active, joyful and happy, and also the mutt named Flexa and the Chihuahuas Pancho and Pixie. I had also three cats, called Lua, aged sixteen, Jade, also sixteen, Manuela, aged fifteen and Bibi, three years old. The latter believes is a Pug too and is always with them. As they are very close together and rowdy, I nicknamed them the “Mortadela gang”, in which the leader not only led the mess, but also led a great change for best in my life.

IT HAPPENED TO ME

I confess that in the first few days, the only thing we did was lay on the sofa, then I started to wonder that she needed to walk. But my fear took over me, so my husband walked her every day, until the day in which I told him I wanted to walk her, but on my own. It was a big challenge, we went down the elevator and there she was with all the patience in the world, always staring at me, I got at the door, took a deep breath, left home and walked around 50 meters (something that would take about six minutes, took me forty to achieve). It may look like nothing to the eye of an ordinary person, but for me it meant victory, because after nine months of reclusion, I was finally leaving to the streets.

She was the one who showed me, amidst so much turmoil, that a Pug can make the difference in someone’s life, and that love and fellowship can transform one’s life, I’m certainly a witness to that. Nowadays I am still diagnosed with Panic Disorder and depression, but they are under control, I do all my activities normally, I even work with handcrafts, patchwork and fabric, and most demanded works crafts are Pug-themed, like: Pug door ornaments, Pug bag holder, Pug Christmas wreath and many other beautiful crafts I make with all my heart. It became my job and so I can spend my days beside my great beloved, my Pugs, my Mortadela gang, my life!

Sonia Blanco Carreiro “mother” to the Mortadela gang and owner of Anita Bonita crafts

L E TT E R S F RO M O U R R E A D E R S

letters from our readers Questions answered by:

Dra. Priscilla Cesário Vieira Veterinarian Doctor (CRMVRJ8553) and Pug breeder Canil Vale dos Vieiras

I would like to know how many days old a puppy must be to start walking. I have a puppy that is 21 days old and he is not walking yet, just dragging himself. I am worried. Ideildo Junior - Cabo (PE) - Brasil During the transition period, which happens from the 13th to the 20th day of life, the puppy undergoes many physical changes. The eyes open, it starts “crawling”, it can already hear, and around the 20th day, the first tooth comes out. The first steps can be seen starting on the 21st day of life, but it is absolutely normal for the puppy to still drag around in this age, especially if it is a chubby puppy. In this stage, when the puppy starts its first steps, we can also notice the swimming dog syndrome. Clinical manifestations can be observed within two or three weeks after birth, a time in which the puppy must be already moving. Due to inability to stay stationery, the animals seem weak and impaired. A thorax, abdomen and pelvis compression happens, and it leads to a movement similar to swimming.

Why do some babies pass away after days they were born? A Pug bitch of mine had eight puppies, ate super premium puppy dog food, had supplements and veterinarian follow-up, and some puppies died. Is it common? Thiago Teixeira - Campinas (SP) - Brasil Warming the puppies after birth is one of the most important cares we must take. Until they are from seven to ten days old, puppies can’t regulare body temperature and in case the temperature drops, the puppy can show the newborn triad: hypoglycemia (reduction in glucose levels), hypothermia (temperature below normal) and dehydration are the biggest causes of newborn mortality in canine pups. Some viral infections can also be lethal for puppies in the first days of life, like Herpesvirus. Most bacterial infections in this age are caused by Escherichia coli, and some are derived from milk (toxic milk syndrome) or contamination of the environment they live in. There are also parasistosis, that can be acquired still during foetal period or birth. These are the main causes that can lead a puppy to die in the first days of life.

Hi Angela! I’ve just browsed the new pug magazine! I am impressed, it’s fantastic. I’ll send a link to our puppybuyers, finally something good to read! I was ready to write a book about the pug myself, finding nothing good on the market (I still might in the future!) I’m an FCI-Judge from Belgium, the Pug is my specialty since I breed them myself (Limisengi’s Pugs). If ever you need information about the pug in Europe, please contact me, I would be very happy to help you with this nice project.

Thank you Inge for this great incentive! We will go on seeking to innovate, addressing the topics of greatest interest in this very special breed! We expect you to write your book, leaving such a precious contribution to the world of Pugs, so lacking in information, both for breeders and pets owners.

Greetings from Belgium!!

Inge Wilsen - Belgium

suggestions

Hello, I would like to congratulate you for the magazine’s idea and suggest on studies related to the care of the brachycephalic dogs, handling them in days of intense heat and complications related to obesitiy and skin problems. Thank you. Isabella Goulart - Botucatu (SP) - Brazil

L E TT E R S F RO M O U R R E A D E R S

suggestions

Thank you Isabella! Regarding obesity, our suggestion is feeding them natural food. This issue approaches the subject of Chinese Veterinary Dietotherapy which we have been feeding our Pugs for four years, with huge success for the management of obesity and overall health. In the next issue we will also talk about your other excellent suggestions. We hope to have you always as a reader of our magazine.

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