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Health Issues:
Written by: Jeff Vidt, DVM


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 vary small number of dogs... not every Shar-Pei will be affected:

1. RESPIRATORY
   • stenotic (pinched) nostrils
   • elongated soft palate
   • pneumonia -- primarily in puppies
2. EYES
   • entropion -- rolling in of the eyelids
   • retinal dysplasia
   • glaucoma
   • "cherry eye" -- prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid
3. EARS
   • stenotic (narrow) ear canals
   • bacterial ear infections
   • yeast over growth
   • hyperplastic otitis
4. GASTROINTESTINAL
   • bite problems -- most commonly, an overbite
   • inflammatory bowel disease
   • megaesophagus
   • hiatal hernia
   • intestinal adenocarcinoma
5. 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
6. ENDOCRINE
   • hypothyroidism
7. MYSCULOSKELETAL
   • inquinal hernias
   • luxating patellas -- "loose" kneecaps
   • elbow dysplasia
   • hip dysplasia
   • anterior cruciate ligament rupture
8. GENITOURINARY
   • renal amyloidosis
   • immune - mediated kidney disease
9. NEOPLASIA
   • mast cell tumor
   • histiocytoma
   • lymphosarcoma
   • intestinal adenocarcinoma
10. MISCELLANEOUS
    • Familial Shar-Pei Fever (FSF)
    • abscesses -- bite wounds, other
    • IgA deficiency
    • Primary Multiple Immunodeficiency Syndrome of Shar-Pei
    • amyloidosis