Common Shar Pei Dog Health Problems

Shar Pei dogs are prone to skin fold dermatitis, a condition that causes skin irritation and infections in the folds of their skin.

Their skin folds can trap moisture, bacteria, and dirt, leading to skin infections and irritation. Regular cleaning and drying of the skin folds is crucial to prevent this condition.

Shar Peis are also at risk for eye problems, including entropion, where the eyelid rolls inward and causes irritation and vision problems.

Their large, protruding eyes make them more susceptible to eye injuries and infections, so extra care should be taken to protect them.

Skin allergies and food allergies are also common in Shar Peis, with symptoms ranging from itching and scratching to digestive issues.

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Chinese Shar-Pei health issues can be a concern for many owners. They have distinct, wrinkly skin that makes them more prone to allergies, which can affect their skin folds, belly, feet, and ears.

Allergies in Shar-Pei can be caused by the same factors that cause humans to have allergies in the spring.

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You can see your vet for solutions to these allergies. They can help you narrow down the cause and create a treatment plan.

Seborrhea is a skin disease that Chinese Shar-Pei are prone to. It's a flaky skin rash that also has a strong smell.

Seborrhea can make the skin oily or flaky and dry, and your dog will probably be scratching the area quite a lot. Your vet can help you narrow down the cause and create a treatment plan.

Shar-Pei are prone to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The warning signs are chronic diarrhea and vomiting.

IBD is an immune system disorder that occurs when the lining of the intestines is thickened and becomes unable to absorb nutrients properly. If your dog is afflicted with this condition, they are likely to live with it for the rest of their life.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is common in Chinese Shar-Pei as they age. You might start to notice them having difficulty getting up from a lying position or feeling stiffness in the legs.

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This is usually an inherited condition where the joints have not developed properly and have led to arthritis. Keeping your pup at a healthy weight will help them a lot if they have joint issues because there will be less weight on these painful points.

Shar-Pei might also have a condition where their kneecap pops in and out of place. This can range from a mild to serious condition.

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Shar Peis are highly prone to skin conditions, which can lead to chronic problems and unnecessary suffering. They're particularly susceptible to mange and allergies, which manifest as hair loss, excessive licking, or scratching.

These skin issues can be severe, and it's essential to get a proper diagnosis to determine the best course of treatment. A biopsy may be necessary to accurately diagnose some skin problems.

Mast cell tumors are another skin condition that can affect Shar Peis, and any persistent skin lump should be checked for this condition.

The lower lip of a Shar-Pei can become excessively padded, causing it to roll upward and over the lower teeth.

This can make it difficult for the dog to chew food comfortably. In severe cases, the pressure on the lower teeth can push them backward, creating an overshot bite.

Corrective surgery can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent further complications.

Loose skin can be a problem for some breeds, and it's essential to know how to care for it. The Chinese Shar-Pei is a dog breed that suffers from skin problems due to its wrinkled skin.

Regular grooming can help prevent skin issues. Use a medicated powder to help soothe sore skin, especially between the toes and inside the pads of the feet.

Keeping your dog away from damp surfaces is crucial to prevent skin problems from worsening. This is particularly important for breeds like the Shar-Pei.

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Shar Pei rash, also known as Shar Pei syndrome, is a skin condition that affects this breed. The dog's skin becomes red and inflamed, and hair loss occurs in patches, giving a rather "moth-eaten" appearance.

The exact cause of Shar Pei rash is not fully understood, but it's believed that the Shar Pei's own prickly hair may be irritating his skin. This is a possibility, as the breed's unique coat can sometimes cause skin problems.

Shar Pei rash can affect the entire body, and unfortunately, the symptoms don't respond well to treatment. This means that it's essential to take preventative measures to minimize the risk of your Shar Pei developing this condition.

Ear and Eye health issues are common in Shar-Pei dogs.

Shar-Pei's ears and ear canals are small, making it easy for bacteria to build up and cause infection.

Regular ear checks are crucial to prevent infections, so keep an eye out for any sign of a waxy build-up or unpleasant odor.

An affected ear can cause substantial discomfort, often resulting in the head being constantly shaken.

In severe cases, an infected ear may cause the dog to hold its head at an angle.

Joint and muscle issues can be a real concern for Shar-Pei owners. Swollen hock syndrome, a genetic disorder common in Chinese Shar-Pei, can cause stiffness in the joints.

The joints can become swollen and thickened, making it difficult for your dog to place their hind legs on the ground. In severe cases, the back legs can become severely affected.

A roached back, due to abdominal pain, is another sign of swollen hock syndrome in Shar-Pei puppies.

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Swollen hock syndrome is a serious condition that affects Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

It's caused by an inability to break down and remove amyloid protein, which builds up and eventually takes a toll on the dog's kidneys and liver.

The symptoms can be quite painful and include lethargy, poor appetite, high temperature, shivering, and swollen joints.

A Chinese Shar-Pei's large muzzle may also be swollen and their eyes puffed up, similar to a wasp sting.

Their joints can become stiff and they may have difficulty placing their hind legs on the ground.

The back legs can become swollen and thickened, and affected puppies may have a roached back due to abdominal pain.

Attacks can occur with varying frequency, and even if they're few, the cause must be thoroughly investigated.

To alleviate discomfort, keeping the dog's temperature normal is crucial, and they should be kept in a cool, quiet room.

Drinks of honey water can be given, but not forced to eat food.

A low-protein diet (16 to 20 percent) and natural sulfur can help purify the system, and fresh parsley can aid the kidneys.

Early detection is key, as the usual age of onset is between 4 and 18 months, but it can occur earlier or later in life.

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Shar Pei's are prone to patellar luxation, an orthopedic problem where the knee cap is loose and doesn't guide in the patellar groove properly.

Occasional lameness is a common symptom, where your dog kicks its leg out on occasion.

A knee exam confirms the diagnosis and lets you know if the patellar laxation is medial or lateral.

If left uncorrected, patellar luxation can lead to painful arthritis.

Surgery is the cure, which involves deepening the patellar groove to correct the problem.

Shar Pei fever is a serious and common inherited disease that causes chronic fevers, swollen hocks, and debilitation.

The symptoms can be severe, and there's no test for it, but some dogs may respond to treatment if it's started early enough.

Familial Shar Pei Fever can also lead to Amyloidosis, an enzyme deficiency that results in abnormal accumulations of amyloid proteins, causing liver or kidney failure.

Some Chinese Shar-Pei lines carry immune deficiency, in which the immune system is depressed, though it sometimes seems to recover on its own as the Shar Pei puppy matures.

A puppy with a high fever and no apparent reason may be a sign of immune deficiency, and in severe cases, it can lead to serious health problems.

Shar Peis with immune deficiency tend to be susceptible to demodectic mange, so it's essential to monitor their health closely.

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Shar Pei owners need to be aware of the breathing conditions that can affect their dogs. Their brachycephalic airway syndrome can lead to noisy breathing and snoring.

Their face shape and skin folds can cause breathing problems. This makes them more prone to coughing, wheezing, or difficult breathing.

Their nostrils can be occluded, or stenotic nares, which can make breathing even harder. A thickened and long tongue doesn't help either.

A small oropharynx and trachea can also be a problem for Shar Peis. This can make it difficult for air to get into their lungs.

Exercise caution when exercising your Shar Pei, as they can get heatstroke easily. This is especially true on hot days, so stick to the cool part of the day and provide plenty of fresh water and a cool environment.

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Hypothyroidism is a common health issue in Shar Peis, with up to 10% of the breed affected.

Shar Peis are prone to hypothyroidism due to a genetic predisposition, which can lead to a range of symptoms including weight gain, hair loss, and skin problems.

Left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause serious health issues, including heart problems and reproductive issues.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism can be subtle and may not be immediately apparent, making regular check-ups with a veterinarian crucial for early detection.

In Shar Peis, hypothyroidism is often diagnosed between the ages of 2 and 10, with females more likely to be affected than males.

Recurrent episodes of fever are the most prominent sign of Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome, often occurring before 18 months of age, but can develop at any age.

These fever episodes can range from 103°F to 107°F and resolve spontaneously after 12 to 36 hours. Additional signs may include swelling of the hocks, muzzle, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Dogs with Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome may also develop chronic kidney disease over time, which can be identified by signs such as weight loss, anorexia, vomiting, increased or decreased water intake, lethargy, and pale gums.

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A diagnosis of Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome is made based on clinical signs, blood tests, and imaging, which may include radiographs, ultrasound, and biopsy. Genetic testing can also aid in diagnosis.

Treatment during fever episodes focuses on supportive care, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and intravenous fluids to reduce fever and alleviate discomfort.

Colchicine is the primary medication used to reduce amyloid deposition and the frequency of fever episodes in dogs with Shar-Pei recurrent fever syndrome.

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