Uggie The Dog Mystery Illness Causing Retirement

It appears Uggie the dog's coming retirement from the silver screen has more to do with a health condition than going out on top. The Jack Russell terrier, a scene-stealer in Best Picture front-runner "The Artist" and a fixture on red carpets and skateboards throughout awards season, is suffering from a neurological disorder that causes him to shake. It's those shakes that will keep Uggie from continuing his film career.

"It's very sad but he is suffering from a mystery shaking syndrome," Von Muller told the Daily Mail. "It is a neurological disorder and we've spent thousands on vets' bills trying to figure out what is causing it but the experts don't really know."

That sounds a lot more serious than what Von Muller told The Daily Beast back in December.

"His health is good, but he has a bit of a shaking syndrome that white dogs get," Muller said. "People will think he's nervous or cold, but it's a neurological thing."

According to Von Muller, Uggie's shaking happens when he's most complacent; despite being afflicted with the mystery condition at the start of filming "The Artist," Von Muller says you could hardly notice anything on camera.

Despite the illness, Uggie will still perform with Billy Crystal at the Oscars. And, despite his coming retirement, you can still peruse this adorable gallery of Uggie pics from the Golden Globes red carpet. Never forget!

[via The Daily Mail]

Comments

[missmaizeybelle]

11:43 AM on 02/07/2012

Maybe those shaking episodes are mild seizures. My Miss Maizey Belle had same and after putting her on Kepra (the generic version) the mild seizures stopped however she still had moments of the shaking,almost as if she was cold.She was on other medications and I thought maybe it was contributing to it. She lived to be 17 and crossed the rainbow bridge last Sept. Missed everyday,but she's off running with Cosmo and Ruby.

[Thisbeautifulplanet]

06:54 AM on 02/07/2012

This is very bad news. I hope that the disease affecting Uggie will be diagnosed and that he will be able to enjoy a long and happy life.
With all due respect to his human peers, his performance in "The Artist" contributed to the magic and success of the movie.

[CoffeeOnIce]

03:17 PM on 02/06/2012

I'm not a dog person but even I had to look away from the handsome Monsieur Dujardin to watch Uggie's antics in the film. Here's hoping that retirement is long and fulfilling for him.

[karen lyons kalmenson]

02:52 PM on 02/06/2012

healing energies and love sent, sweet uggie♥♥