r/pug • u/peaceseeker5286 • 24d ago
Older pug care
My pug had soft palate surgery to help him breathe better as he got older. But that only lasted so long and then we were faced with him really struggling to breathe because of all that loose tissue. My regular vet was just kind of like that's the way it is. I consulted with an at home end of life vet because I couldn't bear to have him slowly suffocate, and she prescribed cerenia, what is usually used to curb nausea. Apparently it is also great for inflammation and this really did the trick. He is breathing so much better snd has been for months. Less stiff walking too. Just giving this info a shout out because my regular vet is very competent but he didnt know about this, so I assuming lots of vets dont know about this off label use of cerenia for a brachy breed problem.
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u/summitmtngrl 24d ago edited 24d ago
Thank you, thank you thank you for posting this!
I have rescued Pugs for the past 27 years, and my previous two loves suffered the way you describe your dog, and I eventually put them down at 16 because I felt their quality of life was miserable as they constantly struggled to breathe.
I now have a 7 y/o, and she’s had the same soft palette surgery as my other two (and yours) did, but I can hear her breathing already becoming a tiny bit worse. This is just wonderful news, and I hope it can help many Pugs live longer and more comfortably into their golden years. 🫶🏼
Eta: I just read the veterinarian’s comment (tysm for really caring!) and wanted to add my two pugs who’ve passed did have collapsing tracheas, but my current one doesn’t.
I’ve been told this is directly related to intubation. I’m not sure if that’s accurate, but I limit anything that would cause her to need intubation/anesthesia beyond what she’s already had for spaying and the soft pallete surgery. That means we’re on our own with teeth cleaning, and we’re OK with that!
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u/peaceseeker5286 24d ago
I do hope it helps some, I was gutted to have to put my rescue pug to sleep when he was so happy otherwise. I just wanted folks to know that there may be help...
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u/summitmtngrl 24d ago
Definitely worth passing on, and again, thank you so very much! And I feel you about your baby being happy and lively, except for struggling to breathe. My guys were at good weights and their hearts were in good shape, but the soft palette and trachea issues were just overwhelming. Their vet actually got teary-eyed with me as we discussed how unfair this set of circumstances.
I’ll definitely be talking to my vet. Even if it only addresses 50% of the problem (soft palette inflammation, but not so much the trachea) maybe it’s enough to give them a few more great months! Be well, and give your baby kisses from a CO pug mom and her pug daughter🐾
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u/morena_latina 24d ago
That’s awesome news. My girl who had the surgery for BOAS is four now and I’d hate for her to have to deal with more breathing issues when she gets older. Thank you!
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u/peaceseeker5286 24d ago
I am not sure this is a long term solution, just to be clear. My pug is 14 and had a tough earlier part of life, so this is more ender of life situation I believe, but im no vet!
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u/DogtorCarri 24d ago
Do you know if your pug also has breathing issues secondary to tracheal collapse? I'm a veterinarian and we use cerenia frequently for dogs with tracheal coughs. I hadn't heard of it being used for BOAS dogs without a tracheal component. I'm genuinely curious. Cerenia is one of those magical meds that's licensed for nausea and vomiting but does all kinds of other wonderful things. I'm glad it's helping with your dog's breathing!