Southern Charm Shar-pei

"The Kind Of Wrinkles That You Love To Get"

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All breeds of dogs are susceptible to certain diseases and health issues. This page was added so that everyone will be aware of some of the health issues Shar-pei can be prone to.
 
 
 Shar-Pei Breed Problems     

There is no perfect dog breed... every breed has its problems and imperfections. The easiest way to discuss the problems seen in our breed is to list them according to the body system involved. Please remember that these problems are seen in a very small number of dogs... not every Shar-Pei will be affected:

 

RESPIRATORY

  • stenotic (pinched) nostrils
  • elongated soft palate
  • pneumonia -- primarily in puppies

 

EYES

  • entropion -- rolling in of the eyelids
  • retinal dysplasia
  • glaucoma
  • "cherry eye" -- prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid

 

EARS

  • stenotic (narrow) ear canals
  • bacterial ear infections
  • yeast over growth
  • hyperplastic otitis

 

GASTROINTESTINAL

  • bite problems -- most commonly, an overbite
  • inflammatory bowel disease
  • megaesophagus
  • hiatal hernia
  • intestinal adenocarcinoma

 

SKIN

  • lip fold pyoderma
  • skin fold pyoderma
  • demodectic mange
  • allergic skin disease -- alleric inhalant dermatitis, food allergy, insect allergy, contact allergy, etc.
  • generalized pyoderma
  • cutaneous mucinosis

 

ENDOCRINE

  • hypothyroidism

 

MYSCULOSKELETAL

  • inguinal hernias
  • luxating patellas -- "loose" kneecaps
  • elbow dysplasia
  • hip dysplasia
  • anterior cruciate ligament rupture

 

GENITOURINARY

  • renal amyloidosis
  • immune - mediated kidney disease

 

NEOPLASIA

  • mast cell tumor
  • histiocytoma
  • lymphosarcoma
  • intestinal adenocarcinoma

 

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF)
  • abscesses -- bite wounds, other
  • IgA deficiency
  • Primary Multiple Immunodeficiency Syndrome of Shar-Pei
  • amyloidosis