Liz Buchanan BVSc MRCVS
Keymaster
Hello - first I have to explain that the picture is coming up a little distant and blurry, even when viewed on my larger computer screen; that the focus is on the bars and and that the lesion on the nose appears as a generalised pale patch, so it is hard to insepct the details. However, I suspect that it is not normal. Dry noses, which I will discuss in a minute, can be very common for pugs, but 'common' is not the same as being 'normal.' I would be unwilling to give a diagnosis online however, because my view is poor and because there are some other concerning possibilities to look out for, including Ringworm. Ringworm does not itch and can be passed on to humans by touch, especially to immunocompromised ones (usually the old, the ill and the very young). Your vet may need to rule this in or out. Other underlying possibilities might include hypothyoroidism, other hormonal concerns and even cancers, which again I cannot rule out from here. Trauma - perhaps the rubbing of the nose on the bars, for behavioural reasons or because of irritation - is another concern, or could worsen pre-existing problems. Fungal or bacterial organisms can sometimes take advantage. However, as I was saying, it is commmon in pugs to see a dried-out nasal planum. They are known for it, and it often comes down to a combination of factors. One of these is a reduction in tear-flow and nasal drainage, brought about by the shape of their heads and noses and perhaps also by auto-immune mechanisms. This can have the overall effect of disrupting the secretions to the ocular and nasal surfaces, potentially causing one or both surfaces to dry out. Pugs frequently lick their noses to try to keep them moist, but this can cause more damage and result in sore noses with a thick, poor-quality layer of keratin and deep fissures (cracks). If this is the case, it is possible that a continual reapplication of vaseline may help considerably, but please do run this by your vet first / as well, for the many reasons already offered.
Report