Choosing a Chinese Shar-Pei

Choosing a Chinese Shar-Pei

By: Dr. Dawn Ruben

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 petsStain and Odor Remover
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    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 painBiocaine 4oz
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    , 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.

     
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