All dogs’ parents want their pets to experience the optimal healthcare possible. Almost every disease dogs are stuck in can lead to a particular treatment. Yet some issues somewhat make us nervous as they are likely to be beyond our control, for illustration, Down syndrome.
Any exception for a Pug? Do Pugs have Down syndrome? To start with, take a closer look at our article to grasp the answer you need.
What Is Down Syndrome?
Down syndrome is no longer a new term to many people nowadays. It’s a disease resulting from a genetic disorder.
Here is a detailed theory on how this Syndrome works for humans. Each of us possesses 23 pairs of chromosomes available in the nucleus of every cell. These chromosomes determine the appearance and unique characteristics of each person.
Once conception occurs, each pair of parents donates 23 chromosomes to their children. It would gradually shape each person’s genetic makeup, and through this process, some of the malfunctions of Down syndrome can turn up.
Also, Down syndrome has an alternative name for trisomy 21 because of its relation to the 21st chromosome. This name states that instead of receiving only chromosome 21st from parents, the kid with an extra chromosome 21 will have Down syndrome.
Do Pugs Have Down Syndrome?
As explained before, humans can get Down, so can Pugs have it? The answer is no, this disease is only found in the human body, and Pug cannot get this disease because the chromosomes in humans and dogs are different.
However, that doesn’t mean our Pug pups don’t develop some chromosomal abnormalities or defects. However, veterinarians do not call this symptom in dogs Down syndrome.
Further readings:
The disease has symptoms similar to Down syndrome in Pug
The cause of these diseases is a mistake in a group of factors due to an extra chromosome.
For dogs with chromosomal problems, their survival rate is also shallow. Otherwise, there will also be abnormally developed organs. In particular, dogs with low thyroid hormone levels will cause them to show signs of Down syndrome.
Most animals with such problems usually die before birth or live only for a few days. Therefore, female pugs often kill or abandon their newborns if they suffer from these problems.
In addition, several diseases stemming from Genetic Health Issues In Pugs go as below:
- Luxating patella: In this case, your Pug will have difficulties moving around independently because the health issue dislocated a tiny knee bone.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy: The degeneration issue of blood vessels in the dog’s retina causes night blindness. Once the disease progresses, the Pug would be entirely blind.
- Stenotic nares: Due to being too soft, the nostrils collapse and become blocked, forcing the Pug to breathe by its mouth.
- PDE-Pug Dog Encephalitis: This disease will lead to a series of seizures, making it difficult for the dog to stand stably on his feet. Applying medications can minimize the effects. Nonetheless, no treatment or medication could cure PDE entirely.
Some countries or research groups worldwide conduct deliberate crossbreeding by intentionally creating chromosomal problems for dogs, even though this is quite rare.
Read more:
- What Food Do Pugs Eat? Helpful Feeding Guide For Your Pet
- Why Do Pugs Scream? What Should You Do To Stop Them?
Our Final Words
“No” will be our answer to: “Do puppies have Down syndrome?”. Because the chromosomes of dogs are not the same as those of humans, Pug’s disease is just a chromosomal disorder. Although there is almost no therapy that can completely treat this condition in Pugs, don’t be negative, for good love, care, and devotion will be the best medicine ever. Now. If you found today’s blog post informative, share it immediately!
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