# Demography and Causes of Mortality of Pugs Under Primary Veterinary Care in Australia

## TL;DR

This study examines why Pugs in Australia die early, finding that their flat-faced shape causes serious health issues like breathing and neurological problems.

## Contribution

The study is the first to analyze mortality causes in Pugs using veterinary records, linking brachycephalic traits to early death and euthanasia.

## Key findings

- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, seizures, and spinal disorders are leading causes of death in Pugs.
- Neurological issues are the top reason for euthanasia, while respiratory issues dominate in natural deaths.
- Male and unneutered Pugs have shorter lifespans compared to females and neutered dogs.

## Abstract

Pugs are a popular brachycephalic (flat-faced, short-muzzled) breed that suffer from multiple chronic disorders linked to their exaggerated shape. These disorders are common and cause suffering. However, their contribution to early death and euthanasia have not been thoroughly studied. This study used electronic patient records from the Australian VetCompass programme to describe the demography, common causes and risk factors for Pug mortality. The records of a large group (691) of Pugs who died while under veterinary care over a 10-year period were analysed to determine the cause of death. The median age at death was 10 years. Male Pugs had shorter median lifespans than females, and entire Pugs died earlier than neutered dogs. The top causes of mortality were Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, seizures and degenerative spinal cord conditions, which are uncommon in breeds with a normal head shape. The most common reason for euthanasia was neurological causes, whilst for spontaneous deaths, respiratory causes were the most common. These neurological and respiratory causes of death are linked to brachycephalic conformation and provide evidence for reform of showing and breeding standards to improve Pug welfare and longevity.

Pugs are a popular brachycephalic breed that suffer from multiple chronic disorders linked to their exaggerated phenotypic traits. The contribution of these disorders to early death and euthanasia have not been described and would add urgency to addressing these issues. This study used electronic patient records (EPR) from the Australian VetCompass programme to describe the demography, common causes and risk factors for Pug mortality. The EPR from 691 Pugs which died in a population of 7909 Pugs that received veterinary care over a 10-year period were analysed to determine the cause of death. The median age at death was 10 years. Male Pugs had lower probability of surviving than females (p = 0.02) and entire Pugs died earlier than neutered dogs. The top causes of mortality were Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (8.2%), seizures (6.7%) and degenerative spinal cord disorder (4.7%). Neurological causes (29.6%) were the most common cause of euthanasia whilst amongst non-assisted deaths, respiratory causes were most common (25%). Death from respiratory disorders was found across all age groups. These neurological and respiratory causes of death are linked to brachycephalic conformation and provide evidence for reform of showing and breeding standards to improve Pug welfare and longevity.