Common Diseases and Disorders
The following In general, the shar-pei is a healthy dog with few medical concerns have been noted in shar-pei's however, the following diseases or disorders have been reported:
Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.
Glaucoma is a painful and serious condition that causes pressure within the eye to increase. It can lead to blindness if not treated early.
Demodectic mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by a mite. Hair loss and itchiness are common.
Food allergy affected pets develop skin allergies due to a variety of food ingredients.
Pyoderma refers to deep skin infections.
Atopy is an allergic skin disease that can occur in some dogs.
Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland.
Primary seborrhea causes scaly skin,. Some dogs are born with a defect of the normal keratinization of the skin.
Otitis is an infection of the ear canal.
Shar-pei fever is not a fully understood syndrome. Affected shar-peis develop intermittent fevers and swollen hocks. Eventually, amyloid (a starchy compound) is deposited throughout the body and can lead to kidney failure. It is an inherited condition.
Mast cell tumors are malignant tumors than can occur in the skin or within the body.
In addition, although Although these occur infrequently, the following disorders have also been reported:
Gastric torsion (bloat) is a life-threatening sudden illness associated with the stomach filling with air and twisting.
Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint that results in pain, lameness and arthritis.
Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus is a dilatation of the esophagus caused by decreased contraction of the muscles, causing food regurgitation.
Also, the shar-pei is prone to demodicosis, elbow dysplasia, Renal (Kidney) Amyloidosis and prolapse of the third eyelid.
Life Span
The life span of the shar-pei is approximately 10 to 12 years.
We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.
