Shar Pei Issues

According to the Chinese Shar-pei Club of America, Shar-peis became fashionable in 1960s in the United States, and the breed descends from a small number of dogs that had been shipped over from China. Because Shar-peis come from a very small gene pool, the dogs have similar positive traits, but they have health issues in common as well.

  1. Skin Problems

    • Because of their wrinkles, Shar-peis are prone to staph infections in the folds of their skin, especially around the face. They can also develop demodectic mange from a skin mite that causes the skin to become inflamed. In order to diagnose this problem, a vet needs to do a skin scraping and possibly a skin biopsy if the problem is concentrated in the dog's feet. Shar-peis are also prone to food allergies which can cause skin irritation and itching. If your Shar-pei develops chronic skin issues, especially hair loss and dandruff, this may be a result of hypothyroidism, or low thyroid hormone. A vet needs to test for hypothyroidism and prescribe thyroid hormone if this is the case.

    Eye and Ear Problems

    • Shar-pei's facial wrinkles can rub against his eyes causing discharge, ulcers and even blindness. This is called entropion. If your dog experiences this problem, he may require one or even multiple eye surgeries according to the Shar-pei Rescue website. Shar-peis also has a narrow ear canal that allows for the proliferation of microbes and bacteria. If you dog has an ear infection, scratching his ears is a common symptom and he needs to see a vet. A bad ear infection may require surgery.

    Familial Shar-Pei Fever

    • Shar-peis frequently suffer from familial Shar-pei fever. If a dog has the disorder, he runs a fever up to 107 degrees and his joints swell. In some cases, this can lead to amyloidosis, which is an abnormal depositing of proteins in the kidneys. In extreme cases of amyloidosis, a Shar-pei suffers kidney failure and dies. Fever and amyloidosis usually happens to a dog between three and five years old according to the Royal Shar-pei website. Dogs with a high fever need to see a vet for diagnosis.

    Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS)

    • According to the website Pet Well Being, the "anatomical abnormalities" of the Shar-pei may lead to BAOS. This disorder is caused by the dog's small pinched nostrils, a narrow trachea, and a long soft palate, which means that the flap at the back of the dog's throat is too long and blocks his breathing. Shar-peis who suffer from BAOS breathe loudly, cough, snort, choke or even pass out. Shar-peis in general cannot handle intense exercise or heat because of their breathing issues. If your dog is having extreme trouble breathing he may need surgery to have his palate shortened.