Author: Dr. Vidt

Introduction: Since the elucidation of the human and canine genomes our understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response has progressed at an exponential rate. We now realize that genes encode for proteins that serve as enzymes in biochemical pathways, as receptors on cell membranes, as chemical messengers in the body such as cytokines/chemokines and regulatory proteins which control various processes in the body — primarily the inflammatory response and the innate and adaptive immune responses. It is even more complex as some proteins (chemokine receptors) have a role as ‘silent’ (non-signaling) receptors which regulate inflammatory and immune reactions...

Amyloidosis is the deposition of an abnormal substance called amyloid in the tissues of the body. Amyloidosis is not a disease as much as it is a specific biochemical arrangement in which a precursor protein or protein fragment accumulates and forms filaments. These filaments align and stack themselves in a beta-sheet conformation forming fibrils that twist around each other and are deposited in the tissues as amyloid deposits. Amyloid deposits differ due to the nature of the protein precursors that form there. Due to this structure amyloid is insoluble and can be thought of as “wax”. There are currently at...

Report of the Health Committee – 2010 While it did not occur in 2010 the big news has been the release of the long awaited research report on the association of the “meatmouth” mutation copy number with FSF. Validation studies are currently underway to verify the usefulness of a genetic blood test to (1) predict the potential risk for FSF in a particular individual and (2) to help breed away from the “meatmouth” mutation. The article, “A Novel Unstable Duplication Upstream of HAS2 Predisposes to a Breed-Defining Skin Phenotype and a Periodic Fever Syndrome in Chinese Shar-Pei Dogs” was published...

This article by Dr. Vidt presents a plan to monitor Shar-Pei with the goal of uncovering renal amyloidosis as early as possible and then instituting appropriate dietary and medical intervention. It does contain some technical terms which your veterinarian may be able to simplify for you. The author urges you to discuss this article with veterinarian and then both of you can work together in dealing with this troubling disease. Renal amyloidosis has hit the Shar-Pei fancy in recent years and left many of us feeling helpless as we watch young Shar-Pei sicken and die before our very eyes. We...

Post-Mortem Post-Mortem Examination in the Chinese Shar-Pei – Find out why it is important to do this. Health Survey The Health Survey is being conducted by the CSPCA Health Through Education Committee. So if you have a Shar-Pei please take a moment and download the health survey form and send the form to me via e-mail or by the post office. Thank you. Health Survey Results 2007 – From sent in replies. Health Survery Form (survey.pdf) Tumor Registry  Tumor Registry Form (tumoreg.pdf)  Articles References – Used to write the articles (ref.pdf). UPDATED 07/30/06

Abnormal swellings that persist or continue to grow Pet your pet! This is the best way to find lumps, bumps or swellings that could be anywhere on the body. Sores that do no heal Non-healing sores can be a sign of infection or cancer. Your veterinarian can determine the reason why the sore is not healing. Weight loss If your pet is not on a diet but is losing weight, illness could be to blame. Loss of appetite It is not normal for pets to lose their appetite. This may be a sign of illness. Bleeding or discharge from any...

Pardon me while I preface this discussion with the following disclaimer. I often get inquiries about sick Shar-Pei and “the blood work is normal”. I will be talking about what I do in such cases. The material contained herein is based on my experience, what I’ve read in the veterinary literature, opinions and observations. Any comments, criticism or questions should be directed to me. I also look at this as a work in progress and fully expect to add to it as experience, new information and discussions with colleagues further enlightens me. I present this material now to provide some...

Due to advancements in veterinary medicine and surgery over the last several decades our pets are living longer and experiencing more issues related to degenerative joint disease (arthritis) and physical rehabilitation issues following orthopedic joint surgery. There also is a more recent increase in dogs entering performance events such as agility, free-style dancing, obedience, rally, flyball and service dogs participating in search and rescue, police work, military dogs, etc. When these dogs experience injuries they often return to function quicker with physical rehabilitation equipment and techniques taken from the human side. “Laser” stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of...