Lily

Lily - One little paralyzed Pug and the research she initiated: She was a best friend, my biggest fan, and a focus for my life’s work helping animals. She was an inspiration to the disabled, and she taught me patience, wisdom, and how to ensure her quality of life. Like all Pugs, she was very special, and she was optimistic and TOUGH. She developed permanent neurological deficits in her rear limbs, including serious incontinence so I emptied her bladder twice daily for 7 years. This is widespread, and the 2nd most pressing medical problem in Pugs today, and yet we have little information and very limited solutions. The condition, now called Pug Myelopathy, is the subject of a research project at Michigan State, College of Vet Medicine. They are determined to characterize the cause, and work to improve diagnosis, therapeutic options, and long term care of disabled dogs. In the meantime, physical therapy and careful monitoring of bladder function are critical.