He attracted a global following for his role in acclaimed film The Artist, but now Uggie the Jack Russell terrier is destined for retirement after being diagnosed with a mystery illness, says his trainer.
The 10-year-old trick-performing pooch will make his last public appearance at the Oscars on February 26 before leaving behind the show business life.
"He is suffering from a shaking syndrome,'' trainer Omar Von Muller said, as reported in British tabloid the Daily Mail.
"We've spent thousands trying to figure out what is causing it but the experts don't really know. All the vets can tell us, after all the scans and tests, is that it is neurological and he is not suffering."
Following glory last year at France's Cannes Film Festival where he was awarded the Palm Dog, echoing the top film prize the Palme D'Or, Uggie is in line laster this month for the Golden Collar, the Oscar for canines.
